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COUNTIES
OF
WHITE AND PULASKI
INTJI^M^.
w
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.
ILXjTJSTI^J^a?EI3.
CHICAGO:
F. A. BATTEY & CO.. PUBLISHERS.
1883.
TEE NEW lOEK
PUBLIC LDSiHY
385i2B
7& iim h
PREFACE.
THIS volume goes forth to our patrons the result of uiontlis of arduous, un-
remitting and conscientious labor. None so well know as those who have
been associated with ns the almost insurmountable difticulties to be met with
in the preparation of a work of this character. Since tlie inauguration of the
enterprise, a large force has been employed — both local and others — in gath-
ering material. During this time, most of the citizens of both counties
have been called upon to contribute from their recollections, carefully pre-
served letters, scraps of manuscript, printed fragments, memoranda, etc.
Public records and semi-official documents have been searched, the news-
paper tiles of the counties have been overhauled, and former citizens, now
living out of the counties, have been corresponded with, all for the purpose
of making the record as complete as could be, and for the verification of the
information by a conference with many. In gathering from these numerous
sources, both for the historical and biographical departments, the conflicting
statements, the discrepancies and the fallible and incomjilete nature of pub-
lic documents, were almost appalling to our historians and biographers, who
were expected to weave therefrom with some degree of accuracy, in panoramic
review, a record of events. Members of the same families disagree as to the
spelling of the family name, contradict each other's statements as to dates of
birth, of settlement in the counties, nativity and other matters of fact. In
this entangled condition, we have given preference to the preponderance of
authority, and while we acknowledge the existence of errors and our inability
to furnish a perfect history, we claim to have come up to the standard of our
promises, and given as complete and accurate a work as the nature of the
surroundings would permit. Whatever may be the verdict of those who do
not and will not comprehend the ditflculties to be met with, we feel assured
that all just and thoughtful people will appreciate our eflTorts, and recognize
the importance of the undertaking and the great public benefit that has been
accomplished in preserving the valuable historical matter of the counties and
biographies of many of their citizens, that perhaps would otherwise have passed
into oblivion. To those who have given us their support and encourage-
ment, and they are many, we acknowledge our gratitude, and can assure
them that as years go b}' the book will grow in value as a repository not
only of pleasing reading matter, but of treasured information of the past
that will become a monument more enduring than marble.
October, 1883. THE PUBLISHERS.
CONTENTS.
PART L-HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
CHAPTEK I.
PAGE.
Act of Formation 15
Agricultural Society 33
Alarms, Indian 14
Assessors 41
Associate Judges 42
Auditors 40
Cession Treaties, Indian 13
Changes of Boundaries 17
Circuit Court, Sessions of 19
Circuit Judges 41
Clerks 41
Common Pleas Judges 42
County Agents 41
County Commissioners 40
County Library 26
County Seat Question 35
County Seminary 26
County Statistics, 1880 36
Court Houses and Jails 24
Drainage 12
Educational Statistics 37
Election Tables 43
Introductory 11
Location of County Seat 20
Medical Society 34
Mound-Builders, The 12
Old Settlers' Association 36
Paupers, County 31
Politics 42
Population 36
Probate Judges 42
Proceedings of Commissioners 21
Recapitulation of Taxes, 1882 39
Recorders 41
School Examiners 41
Seminarv Trustees 41
Sheriffs..' 40
Soil, The 1-2
Statistics of Interest 29
Surveyors 41
Three Per Cent Commissioners 41
Treasurers 40
CHAPTER II.
Additional Volunteers 59
Aid to Soldiers, The First 55
Another Company 66
Bounty and Relief 72
Bowman's Company 60
Call to Arms 51
Company, The First 57
Continued Efforts at Enlistment .59
County Conventions 61
Drafts, The 61-68
First Sacrifice, The 52
Flag and Sword Presentation .58
Fourth of July, 1S62 61
Fourth of July, 1863 65
Husband Wanted 62
Infantry, Twelfth 74
Infantry, Sixty-third 7o
Infantry, Ninety-ninth 7o
Infantry, One Hundred and Sixteenth 75
Infantry, OnejHundred and Twenty-eighth... 76
Joy and Sorrow 72
Loyalty 54
Mexican War 48
Militia, County 47
PAGE.
Military Committees 67
Number of Men Furnished 69
Opening Scenes .51
Patriotism in Monticello ,52
Presidential Campaign of 1860 49
Recruits 67
Regiments, Sketches of 74
Renewed Eflforts 66
Roll of Honor 76
Sanitary Efforts 71
Subsequent Enlistments 58
Union Meeting at Norway 53
War of 1812 48
War Meetings 56-62
White County Companies 70
TOWNSHIP IIISTOK9£S.
CHAPTER III.
Union Township , 79
Banking 95
Elections, Early 80
Election of November, 1.836 80
High School Building 106
Hydraulic Companies 94
Industries 89
Mills 85
Monticello 86
Monticello's Incorporation and Town Of-
ficers 97
Monticello's Early Schools 103
' Monticello's First Building 89
Monticello's First Plat 88
Monticello Items 96
Monticello's Later Merchants, etc 92
Monticello's Present Business Interests... 93
Mt. Walleston Village 85
Newspapers, Early 100
Norway Village 85
Norwegians, The 83
Proceedings of Town Board 99
Prof. G. Bowman's School 105
Religious Organizations, Early 108
School Bonds 107
School Trustees 108
Secret Societies 102
Settler, First 83
Wool Carding 84
CHAPTER IV.
Prairie Township 112
Birth, First 119
Bridges 125
Brookston, Town of. 121
Churches 120
Creation of Township 113
Death, First 119
Landholders, First 11(
Marriage, First 119
Masonic Lodge 119
Mills, Earlv 129
Poll Lists, Early 114
Pioneer Schools 118
Press, The 126
Settlement 112
Springboro Village 119
Storm of Sleet 125
Surface Features 125
(XJNTENTS.
CHAPTER V.
PAOK.
Honey Crkkk Township 126
Birth, First 130
Churches 133
Death, First 130
Elections, First 128
Mills 129
Miscellaneous 135
Newspapers 135
Officers, First 128
Railways 130
Reynolds, Town of 130
Reynolds, Incorporation of 134
Schools 133
Secret Societies 132
Settlement, First 127
CHAPTER VI.
.Jackson Township 136
Agricultural Association US
Anti-Slavery Petition 142
A Storm 145
Birth, First 141
Burnettsville 144
Churches 151
Creation of Township 138
Death, First 141
Kkctions, First 139
I'ariiiiiiLtton Seminary 145
(ianic f 140
Idaville 146
Indians 140
Jurors ^ 141
Marriage, First 141
Morality 141
Mornionisui 143
Oldest Resident 153
Post Offices 144
Schools 141
Settlement, First 136
Sharon 145
Town of Hannah 14R
Violent Deaths 147
Vital Statistics 141
CHAPTER VII.
Princeton Township 154
Ague in 1844 157
Birth, First 158
Boundaries of Township 155
Churches 158
Creation of Township 155
Death, First 158
Elections, Early 156
Flood of 1844 157
Justices of the Peace 162
Marriage, First 158
Origin of Name 155
Railroad 159
Schools 158
Seafleld Station 159
Secret Societies 161
Settlement, First '54
Tavern, First 159
Wolcott, Town of. t 159
Wolcott's Present Business 161
CHAPTER VIII.
MoNON Township 163
Birth, First 170
Dead Town, A 166
Death, First 170
Early Comers 164
Elections, Early 163
Indian Mounds 109
Indian Scare 165
Mills, Early 171
Miscellaneous Items 176
New Bradford, Town of. 173
Pioneer Life 169
Post Offices 172
Religious Organizations 175
Schools and Teachers 174
Secret Society 176
Settlement 164
Suicides, etc 175
Wedding, First 170
CHAPTKB IX.
PAGK.
Big Ckbek Town.ship 178
Ague 183
Birth, First 183
Black Hawk War 182
Chalmers Village 188
Deer and Wolf Hunt of 1840 187
Death, First 183
Early Difficulties 183
Elections, Early 180
Hotel, First 183
Indians 182
Internal Improvements 184
Land Pantries 181
Marriage, First 183
Preachers, Early 184
Schools 184
Settlers, First 178
Spencer House 181
Wheeler Station 184
CHAPTER X.
Liberty Township 189
Churches 194
Creation of Township 192
Death, First 193
Elections, First 192
Land Entries, First 190
f Marriage, First...... 193
Miscellaneous 196
Pioneer Homes 191
Post Offices ., 195
Schools, Early 193
Tax Payers of 1843 190
CHAPTER XI.
West Point Township 196
Birth, First 200
Death, First 200
Election, First 199
Formation of Township 198
Forney Post Office 201
Land Entries, Fir,';! 199
Marriage, First 200
Meadow Lake Farm 201
Ministers and Churches 200
School Interests 199
CHAPTER XII.
Cass Township 202
Birth, First 205
Church Interests 208
Creation of Township 205
Drainage 208
Educational Growth 206
Election, Early 207
Marriage, First 205
Pioneer Life 202
Post Office 208
Preacher, First 208
Tax Payers of 1851 207
CHAPTER XIII.
Round Grove Township 209
Births, First 212
Church 212
Creation of Township 210
Death, First 212
Elections, First 211
Land Entries 211
Marriage, First 212
Origin of Name 210
Post Offices 212
Schools 212
Settlement, First 210
Then and Now 213
I BI06RAPHI1-AI. ^^KETOHKS.
Big Creek Township 374
I Cass Township 423
I Honey Creek Township 2S1
I Jackson Township 304
Liberty Township 397
Monticello, City of..
Monon Township.
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
Prairie Township 260
Princeton Township 338
Round Grove Township 426
Union Township 250
West Point Township 407
PORTRABTS.
Burns, Jolm and wife 63
French, Chester C 267
High, Jonathan 384
Love, J. M 329
McAllister, .J ; 401
Price, Asenath 98
Price, Peter : 82
Spencer, George Armstrong 185
Spencer, Thomas 257
PAGE.
Sfcine, H. S 311
Timmons, John G. and wife 347
Turpie, Mrs. Emma J 239
Turpie, J. H 222
Turpie, Mrs. Mary F 212
Turpie, William 294
Virden, Samuel 293
VIEWS.
Elevator of J. & W. W. Eaub 365
Farm Residence of J. P. Carr 115
Presbyterian Church of Monticello 45
Farm Residence of John F. Price 419
Public School Building of Monticello 27
Farm Residence of H. M. Wheeler 149
Farm Residence of G. W. Wolverton 167
PART IL-HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
Abstract of Property and Taxes, 1881 468
Agents, County » 473^
Agricultural Society 465
Assessors 473
Associate Judges , 474
Auditors 472
Board of Commissioners 455
Buildings, County..... 460
Circuit Court 457
Circuit Judges 473
Clerks 472
Commissioners 472
Common Pleas Judges 474
Coroners 473
County Before Organization 451
Creation of County 450
Drainage 447
Drift, The 445 1
Election, First 452 I
Election Tables 475
Indians, The 449
Jail 462
Land Offices 462 |
Library 462 !
Medical Society 464 ;
Miscellaneous Items 456 \
Old Settlers' Association 469
Orders, County 459
Organization of County 450 j
Petroleum Company 465
Politics 474 j
Poor, County 463
Probate Judges 474 [
Railroads 465 !
Recorders 472 j
Representatives 473 1
Roads, County and State 458 j
School Examiners 473
Seminary, County 462
.Sheriffs 472 [
Soil, The 446
Squatters, The 456
StateSenators 473
Statistics 467 I
Surveyors 473 j
Tableof Land Entries 457
Three Per Cent Commissioners 473
Townships 464 !
Treasurers 472 '
Treasury Statement 469
CHAPTER 11. (
An Incident 497
Bounty 493
Calls for Troops 497
Disloyalty 490
Draft, The 491-494
Enlistment, Continued 493
Excitement at Winamac 485
Fall of Sumter 484
First Company 486
Infantry, Ninth 498
Infantry, Twentieth 498
Infantry, Forty-sixth 499
Infantry, Eighty-seventh 500
Mexican War 482
Old Militia System 481
Rebellion, The 484
Roll of Honor 501
Sketches of Regiments 498
Suppression of the Democrat 492
Tableof Regiments 496
Three Months' Men 486
TOWSrSHIP HISTORIES.
CHAPTER III.
Monroe Township 504
Additions to Winamac 521
Banking 520
Bridges 519
Business Blocks 521
Business, Present 516
Churches 533
Early Events 515
Elections...: 510
Ferries 519
Incorporation 522
Industrial Growth 514
Later Progress 509
Manufactures 517
Merchandising 515
Postmasters 520
Professions 519
Schools 5.32
Secret Societies 528
Settler, First -507
Settlement 504
Subsequent Improvement 508
CHAPTER IV.
Salem Township 535
Agricultural Society 545
Business, Present 541
College, The 540
Creamery 545
Drainage 545
Elections, Early 538
Fatalities 542
Francesville 541
Game 547
Geological Characteristics 536
Hay 547
Land Entries 538
Marriage, First 539
Militia 545
Newspapers 542
Organization 535
Religion 543
Schools 539
Secret Societies 544
Settlement 537
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V.
PAGE.
Harrison Township 5-18
Accidental Death 555
Bridge 553
Church :... 552
Creation of Township 548
Deceased Pioneers 550
Elections, Early 549
Incidents 551
Mooresburg 555
Mooresburg Mill 553
Notes and Incidents 555
Origin of Name 548
Politics 557
Roads 554
Saw Mill 554
Schools 553
Settlement, First 549
Spring Election, 1882 556
Wey'B Mill 554
CHAPTFTR VI.
Indian Creek Township 557
Birth and Death 563
Bridges 569
Churches, > 566
Education 565
Incidents 559
Marriage, First 563
Mill, First 562
Miscellaneous 569
Mound-Builders 560
Pearl Divers 567
Physical Features 561
Pulaski Grist Mill 563
Pulaski Village 564
Settlement 559
Settler, First 557
Voters, Early .557
CHAPTER VII.
White Post Township 571
Affrays 584
Birth, First 578
Churches 582
Death, First 578
Directory of MedarysTille 586
Drainage 579
Elections, Early 573
Incidents 577
Marriage, First 578
Medarysville 581
Miscellaneous Notes 586
Mystery, A 580
Newspapers 584
Origin of Name i 571
Physical Description 574
Post Office 578
Schools 579
Settlement 573
CHAPTER VIII.
Van Buben Township 587
Churches 596
Detectives 594
Election, First 588
Elections, Subsequent 588
Hardships 591
Hunters 590
Land Entries '. 588
Rosedale Village 595
Schools 595
Settler, First 587
Star City 592
Statistical 592
CHAPTER IX.
Tippecanoe Town.ship S'.tK
Boundaries, First ."I'JS
Bridges i i;u3
Cholera r.02
Death, First 601
Elections, Early 6(h»
Incidents, Early 602
Inn, First 002
Landholders, Early 599
Marriage, First 001
Mills
Miscellaneou")
Monterey Village
Origin of N ame
Pioneers Living
603
604
598
Settlement. . 59S
CHAPTER X.
Cass Township 608
Belfast 613
Churches 614
Drainage 612
Early Occurrences 611
Elections 608
Fatal Accident 615
Post Office 614
Products 612
Schools 614
Settlers, First 611
Trustees, First 614
Wild Game 612
CHAPTER XI.
Rich Grove Township 016
Churches 620
"Cranberry" Township 621
Creation of Township 610
Death, First 621
Elections, Early 61G
Gundrum Station 621
Justices'of the Peace 620
Land Entries 617
Marriage, First 621
Mills, etc 618
Origin of Name 617
Property Protection 621
Road 620
Schools 619
Settlements 618
Trustees 620
CHAPTER XII.
.Tefferson Township 622
Accident, An 624
Birth, First 624
Churches 625
Creation of Town.ship 622
Death, First 624
Early Experiences 629
Land Entries 626
Liquor License 624
Marriage, First .• 624
Mastodon, Remains of a 630
Mills 626
Origin of Name 622
Schools 630
Settlement 623
Violent Death 630
CHAPTER XIII.
Beaver Township 631
Birth, First 635
Churches 635
Death, First 63.T
Early Customs 633
Early Events 635
Elections 631
Land Entries 632
Marriage, First 635
Origin of Name 631
Schools 634
Settlers 632
CHAPTER XIV.
Kranklin Township 636
Civility 040
Drainage 640
Educational Interests 641
Elections 638
Jacobs House 639
Land Entries 630
Origin of Name 630
Railroad 640
Settlement 637
Sunday School 640
CONTENTS.
BIOORAPHICAL, SKETCBES.
PAGE.
Beaver Township 768
Cass Township 764
Franklin Township 770
Harrison Township 694
Indian Creek Township 702
Jetferson Township 767
Monroe Township 671
Rich Grove Township 765
Salem Township 674
Tippecanoe Township 749
Van Bureu Township 733
White Post Township 725
Winamac, City of 643
PORTRAITS.
PAGE.
Barnett, William C . 646
Brown, Ira .' 454
Brown, Mrs. Sophia 487
Dilts, M. A 609
Holsinger, John 5 627
Huddleston, W. S 575
Thompson, W. H 524
Thompson, G. W 525
John R. Conner 542
JohnShill ; 558
VIEW.
Keller, Bouslog & Co.'s Business House 505
PART I.
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
BY WESTON A. 000D8PEBD.
The Surface and Soil — Drainage — Prehistoric Inhabitants —
The Indians — Cession Treaties — Public Land Sales — Creation
OF White County — Its Organization — Subsequent Boundary
Alterations — The Early Courts — Acts of the Commissioners
— Financial Management — County Buildings — Societies and
Associations — Industrial Statistics — List of Public Officers
— Politics — Miscellaneous Notes of Interest.
«« We have no title deeds to house or lands;
Owners and occupants of earlier dates,
From graves forgotten stretch their dusty hands,
And hold in mortmain still their old estates."
IF the Drift Deposits which cover all White County to the depth of
many feet were cut through, the Niagara limestones of the Upper
Silurian Period would be disclosed. The time is coming in the future
when this vast storehouse of excellent stone will be quarried as coal is
now quarried in many parts of the earth where the surface is compara-
tively level. After these beds of stone had been deposited (so the geolog-
ical story runs) there came a time called Glacial when all this latitude,
and northward, was locked up in vast mountains of ice. Huge glaciers
pushed their way southward in obedience to controlling laws, grinding
clown the elevations of earth and transporting the soil to latitudes far-
ther south. After this came icebergs, the successors of the glaciers,
which continued the process of conveying the soil southAvard. All of
White County is covered with this foreign soil, often to several hundred
feet in depth, which has come here from British America. As it was
deposited here long before any human beings inhabited, the earth, it may
(11)
12 mSTOKY OF WHITE COUNTY.
be considered as having merited the title of " Old Settler." All are fa-
miliar with the characteristics of these deposits, usually called "The
Drift." They vary all the way from alluvium (fine inorganic material
and vegetable mold mingled) to huge bowlders, which may be seen scat-
tered all over the surface of the county, and found as far down as the
Drift extends.
The Soil. — The soil of the county gives rich promises of great future
wealth. There is a large percentage of low or level land, much of which
is yet too wet for cultivation, but which, some day, when suitable drain-
age is furnished, will be like a garden. Many of these tracts of land are
underlaid with extensive beds of bog iron ore, occasionally in such abun-
dance as to give promise of future utility when profitable means of work-
ing them are devised. Some portions of the soil are quite sterile, owing^
to a superabundance of sand or clay. Tracts of rich and beautiful prai-
rie land are found in various portions. Clusters of low oaks occur on the
sandier tracts, far out from the larger water-courses. Heavy timber is
found on Tippecanoe River and at other places. High bluifs along the
river afford fine views of extensive and beautiful tracts of country.
Drainage. — Within the past fifteen years not less than $200,000 has
been expended in constructing open ditches. Many miles of tiling have
been laid during the same period. Perhaps over |100,000 has been ex-
pended in drainage during this period. Comparatively little was done in
this direction until fifteen years ago, and the greater portion of what has
been accomplished has been done within the last six years. Twenty years
hence the surface will be well drained, and splendid crops will be raised
where now the song of the batrachian resounds. This work must neces-
sarily go on comparatively slow, as the public funds will admit.
The Mound Builders. — Prior to the period from 1838 to 1842 the
territory now comprising the county of White with all the adjacent lands
was the home of the Indian tribes. Here they had lived back as far as
the knowledge of the Caucasian race extends, and much farther back as
is proved by Indian tradition. If they were the descendants of that ex-
tinct race of people called " Mound Builders," who inhabited all this sec-
tion of country at an earlier date, it may be stated on the best of au-
thority that the Indians had occupied this land long before the Christian
era. Perhaps a majority of authorities on the subject deny the kinship
of the Indians and the Mound Builders, and allege that the latter were
a distinct race of human beings of whom the former knew nothing save
what was derived from their crumbling bones and habitations. All agree,
however, as to the antiquity of the earlier race. Some writers place
them back as co-existent with the old Babylonian and Assyrian nations.
Others still make them relatives of the Aztecs or Peruvians who occupied
HISTORY OP WHITE COUNTY. 13
the torrid region of the Western Continent when Columbus resolutely di-
rected the prow of his little vessel westward across the Atlantic. The
truth can never be known. They had no historians ; they were bar-
barians. They had never experienced the pleasure of being " written
up," and had never been asked to put their names down for a copy of the
county history. Consequently their history remains a mystery more pro-
found than that of Eleusis. It remains for the civilized to appreciate the
value which history aifords to the human race.
There have been discovered within the limits of White County, usually
on high lands contiguous to some stream, about fifteen mounds, con-
structed in all probability by the Mound Builders, thousands of years
ago. As these are described in township chapters, nothing further will be
added here, except a few general statements. The mounds found in this
section of the State are usually sepulchral, sacrificial or memorial. The
first contain the decaying bones of the dead ; the second contain ashes,
charcoal and the charred bones of animals and even human beings who
were immolated to secure the favor of the Being worshipped ; the third
were erected to commemorate some great national event. All three kinds
are found in the county, the first mentioned being most numerous.
Indian Cession Treaties. — How the Indians came here, succeeding
as they did the earlier race, is not known, and probably never will be.
They were here when the whites first came. The Pottawatomies were
found in possession of the soil, though the Miamis claimed some rights of
occupancy. On the 2d of October, 1818, at a treaty concluded at St,
Mary's with the Pottawatomies, the following tract of country was ceded
to the Government :
Beginning at the mouth of the Tippecanoe River and running up the same to a point
twenty-five miles in a direct line from the Wabash River, thence on a line as nearly par-
allel to the general course of the Wabash River as practicable to a point on the Vermil-
lion River twenty-five miles from the Wabash River, thence down the Vermillion River
to its mouth, and thence up the Wabash River to the place of beginning.
On the 16th of October, 1826, they also ceded the following tract of
land.
Beginning on the Tippecanoe River where the northern boundary of the tract ceded by
the Pottawatomies to the United States at the treaty of St. Mary's in the year 1818 in-
tersects the same, thence in a direct line to a point on Eel River, half way between the
mouth of said river and Parrish's Village, thence up Eel River to Seek's Village (now in
Whitley ("ounty ) near the head thereof, thence in a direct line to the mouth of a creek emp-
tying into the St. Joseph's of the Miami (Maumee) near Metea's Village, thence up the
St. Joseph's to the boundary line between the Ohio and Indiana, thence south to the
Miami (Maumee), thence up the same to the reservation at Ft. Wayne, thence with the
lines of the said reservation to the boundary established by the treaty with the Miamis
in 1818, thence with the said line to the Wabash River, thence with the same river to the
mouth of the Tippecanoe River, and thence with the Tippecanoe River to the place of
beginning.
14 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
The following letter explains itself:
Department of the Interior, "|
General Land Office, j-
Washington, D. C, December 9, 1882. j
W. A. GooDSPEED, Esq., Winamac, Indinna.
Sir: — Iq reply to your letter of the 27th of October last, setting forth that you want the
following information for historical purposes, to wit : " When and where were the gov-
ernment sales of land in White and Pulaski Counties, Indiana V I have to state that
Townships 25 and 26 north. Ranges 3, 4, 5 and 6 west (White County) were offered at
Crawfordsville, Indiana, November, 1829, June, 1830, and October, 1832. Townships
27 and :^8 north, Eanges 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 west, in White County, were offered at Winamac,*
Indiana. November, 1830, March, 1832, and March, 1839. The land in Pulaski County
wasofl'ered at Winamac, Indiana, in September, 1838, March, 1839, and March, 1841.
Very respectfully,
M. McFarland, Commissioner.
Indian Alarms. — Immediately after the first sale of the lands of what
afterward became White County, and even before, the settlers began to
flock in and select new homes. In 1832, the year of the Black Hawk
war, probably twenty families were living in the county. From time to
time reports came in from the west of the Indian massacres but a com-
paratively short distance away, and a general feeling of alarm settled down
upon the pioneers on the outskirts of the thickly settled sections. The
savages might at any moment penetrate a little farther east and fall upon
the settlers with fire, and tomahawk and scalping-knife. About the 1st
of June the alarm became so intense and universal that many of the fam-
ilies living in White County packed their household goods in wagons and
fled to the older settlements on the south side of the Wabash, driving
their live stock with them. Some persons set fire to the grass on the
Grand Prairie, and the lurid glare of the flames reflected on the sky filled
the breasts of the settlers for many miles around with fearful forebodings.
Many thought the savages had come. Companies of militia were formed
in the older localities to protect the families that assembled. Notwith-
standing the reports there were a number of families in White County
which had the hardihood to remain on their farms, though in most cases
care was taken to prevent being surprised by savages on the war path.
They were aware that but little danger was to be apprehended, as the
scene of the Indian outbreak was too far away to affect the inhabitants of
White County. The majority, however, were greatly scared, and fled as
stated. A small company of about twenty men was formed at Delphi
under the command of Captain Andrew Wood. The men, well armed and
provisioned, passed out on the Grand Prairie and then up the Tippecanoe
River through White County going as far up as the house of Melchi Gray
*As there was no such place as Winamac until 1838, and as the Land Office was not located there
until 1 839 the Commissioner is doubtless mistaken as to the place where the land was offered. The
jales took place at LaPorte until the office was established at Winamac.
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 15
near the mouth of the Monon, keeping a careful lookout for signs of
Indians. Many houses were found deserted, everything indicating a hur-
ried departure of the owners. Others were strongly barricaded, while the
occupants within were prepared to repel assaults from a savage foe. A
few families went about their daily tasks as usual. The company saw
nothing whatever of hostile Indians, and soon returned to Delphi. In a
little while the feeling of alarm disappeared and the families returned to
their houses.
Mrs. Peter Price, then living on the old homestead a short distance
west of what afterward became Monticello, relates that her family were
unconscious of any circulating reports of danger from the Indians until
early one morning in June, 1832, before the members of the family had
arisen, when they were aroused from their slumbers by a loud shout from
George A. Spencer who had ridden rapidly up on a horse and had
stopped before the door of their log cabin. The first intelligible words
that fell upon the ears of the startled family were " Halloo, Peter, get up !
the d d Injins are coming, and are killing everybody !" It took that
family about one minute to get into their clothes, and surround the mes-
senger with anxious questions. It was decided to leave immediately,
and hurried preparations were made to take the most valuable ar-
ticles, and leave the remainder, as it was thought, to the torch of
the savages. Mrs. Price and her children were taken to the house
of some friend below Delphi, while Mr. Price returned to near the
mouth of Spring Creek, Prairie Township, where some twelve or fifteen
families had collected and had made rather formidable preparations to re-
ceive the enemy. It is stated that a watch was kept, and every gun was
loaded and in its place. It is also stated that a sort of block-house was
erected, but this is probably a mistake. A few days dispelled the illu-
sion, and the families returned to their homes. Some thought the dan-
ger was to come from the Pottawatomies, while others better informed
feared the Sacs and Foxes from the Mississippi River. As a matter of
fact the Pottawatomies were about as much frightened as the whites, and
all went to the Indian agent for advice and protection. They thought
the whites were going to attack them for some reason they could not
fully surmise. They and the whites had a good laugh together afterward
over the "heap big scare."
In 1833 many settlers located in the county — so many, in fact, that the
representatives in the Legislature were asked to have a new county cre-
ated and organized. Accordingly, during the session of 1833-4, the fol-
lowing enactment was passed and approved :
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, that from and after the
first day of April next, all that tract of country included in the following boundary lines
16 HISTORY OF WHITE COUJSTTY.
shall form and constitute a new county to be known and designated by the name of the
county of White (in honor of Major Isaac White, who fell at the battle of Tippecanoe) to
wit, beginning at the northwest corner of Tippecanoe County, thence running east with
the north line of Tippecanoe County to the southwest corner of Carroll County, thence
north with the west line of Carroll County to the northwest corner of the same, thence
east with the north line of Carroll County to the west line of Cass County, thence north
with the west line of Cass County to the northwest corner of the same, thence west to the
center section line of range six west, thence south to the northwest corner of Tippecanoe
County to the place of beginning.
Sec. 2. That the new county of White shall, from and after the first day of April next,
enjoy and possess all the rights, privileges, benefits and jurisdictions which to separate
and independent counties do or may properly belong or appertain.
Sec. 3. That James H. Stewart, of Carroll County, John Killgore, of Tippecanoe
County, Fnos Lowe, of Parke County, and John B. King, be, and they are hereby ap-
pointed Commissioners, agreeable to an act entitled " An act fixing the seats of justice
in all new counties hereafter to be laid olf." The Commissioners aforesaid shall meet
on the first Monday in September next at the house of George A. Spencer, in the
said county o. White, and shall proceed immediately to perform the duties required of
them by law; and it shall be the duty of the Sheriff of Tippecanoe County to notify
said Commissioners, either in person or by writing, of their appointment, on or before
the first day of August next, and for such service he shall receive such compensation as
the Board doing county business in said county of White may, when organized, deem
just and reasonable, to be allowed and paid as other county claims.
Sei'. 4. The Circuit Court and the Board of County Commissioners, when elected under
the writ of election from the executive department, shall hold their sessions as near the
center of the county as a convenient place can be had, until the public buildings shall be
erected.
Sec. 5. The agent who shall be appointed to superintend the sale of lots of the
county seat of said county of White shall reserve ten per cent, out of the proceeds
thereof, and pay the same over to such person or persons as may be appointed by
law to receive the same for the use of a county library.
Sec. 6. The county of White shall be attached to the first judicial circuit of this
State for judicial, and to the county of Carroll for representative, purposes.
Sec. 7. That all the territory lying west of the county of White to the State line, be,
and the same is, hereby attached to the county of White for civil and judicial purposes.
Sec. 8. That the Circuit Courts shall be held in the county of White on the Tuesdays
succeeding the week of the Tippecanoe Circuit Court, and sit three days each term,
should the business require it.
Sec. 9. The Board doing county business may, as soon as elected and qualified, hold
special sessions not exceeding three, during the first year after the organization of said
county, and shall make all necessary appointments, and do or perform all other busi-
ness which may or might have been necessary to be iierformed at any other regular
session, and take all necessary steps to collect the Slate and county revenue, any law or
to the contrary notwithstanding. This act to be in force from and after its
Approved February 1, 1834.
A little later the following was enacted :
That all the territory lying north of the county of Cass to the line dividing Town-
ships 32 and 33 north, be, and the same is hereby, attached to said county for judicial
and representative purposes, and that all the territory lying north of the county of
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 17
White and of the territory attached thereto to the aforesaid line be, and the same is
hereby, attached to the county of White for the same purpose. This act to be in force
from and afterits publication in the Indiansi Journal, printed at Indianapolis.
Approved December 24, 1834.
So far as can be learned no changes were made in the boundaries of
White County until the following law was passed :
That the following described territory be, and the same is hereby, taken from the
county of Carroll and incorporated and made a part of White : all north of Section 33
and west of the Tippecanoe River in Township 26 north, Range 3 west. This act to take
efl'ect and be in force from and after its passage.
Approved February 4, 1837.
Again a little later the following became law :
That hereafter the Tippecanoe River shall be the western boundary of Carroll County,
from where the north line of said county strikes the river, until said river strikes the
section line dividing thirty-three and twenty-eight, in Township twenty-six, and all the
territory west of said river and north of said line in Township twenty-six, and Range
three west, is hereby attached to the county of White, as intended by the act, entitled
"An act to alter the boundary line between Carroll and White," approved February 4,
lt<37. This act to be in force from and after its passage.
Approved February 14, 1839.
The large section of country north and west now constituting the
counties of Jasper, Newton and portions of Benton and Pulaski, which
was attached to White County by legislative enactment, remained so
until it was organized into separate counties — Pulaski in 1839, Jasper
in 1837, Newton in 1839 and Benton in 1840.
Some time during the summer of 1884 an election of two x^ssociate
Judges, three County Commissioners, one Clerk of the Circuit Court and
perhaps other county officers, was held in White County with the follow-
ing result : Associate Judges — James Barnes and Thomas Wilson.
Commissioners — David McCombs, Ira Bacon and Robert Newell.
Clerk — William Sill. The returns of this election are probably
in the vault of the clerk's office at Monticello, but as no due effort was
made by the proper officers to search for such papers, although requested
so to do, and as the historian was not permitted to make such search, the
records remain, very probably, in a corner covered with dust and rub-
bish. No apology is necessary under the circumstances.
White County had a political existence before its organization, of which
nothing is knoAvn to the citizens. All the territory now comprising the
county, besides much more north and west, was attached to the county
of Carroll by legislative enactment, at the time the latter was created.
On the 11th of May, 1831, the Commissioners of Carroll County ordered
that all the territory attached to the county, or a part of the county,
18 HISTOEY OF WHITE COUNTY.
west of the Tippecanoe River should thereafter be Prairie Township ;
and an election was ordered held on the first Monday of the following
August for the election of one Justice of the Peace, the vote to be polled
at the house of Jesse Watson, who was appointed Inspector. At this
election the following men voted : J. L. Watson, Jesse Johnson, Samuel
Smelcer, Michael Ault, Jeremiah Bisher, W. H. McCuUoch, Aaron Cox,
Royal Hazleton, Ed. McCarty, Charles Wright, William Phillips, R.
Harrison, Robert A. Barr, William Woods, Ashford Parker — total, 15.
The entire vote was cast for Noah Noble for Governor. For Justice of
the Peace Royal Hazleton received 9 votes, and Jesse Johnson 4. In
May, 1832, the elections were changed to the house of Samuel Alkire
and Jesse L. Watson continued Inspector. At the April election in
1832, only six votes were polled, as follows : J. L. Watson, Jesse John-
son, William Phillips, Charles Wright, Edney Wright, J. G. Alkire.
Charles Wright was elected Constable ; Jesse Johnson and Robert Newell,
Road Supervisors ; William Phillips and William Woods, Overseers of
the Poor ; Samuel Smelcer and Samuel Alkire, Fence Viewers. These
were undoubtedly the first ofiicers of the kind elected in White County.
In September, 1832, all of White County east of the Tippecanoe River
was formally attached to Adams Township, Carroll County.
At the August election in Prairie Township in 1832, twenty votes
were polled, and in November, at the presidential election the following
men voted : J. L. Watson, Benjamin Reynolds, George McCulloch,
Joseph A. Thompson, John Barr, John Roberts, John Reese, Royal
Hazleton, Robert Barr, George Bartley, William Phillips, John Roth-
rock, L. Willis, Robert Newell, John Hornbeck, William Woods, Samuel
Alkire, Melchi Gray, eTacob Young, Christian Shuck, Jeremiah Bisher,
Jesse Johnson and Edney Wright — total, 23. Eighteen votes were cast
for the Whig electors and five for the Democratic.
At the March session of the Court of Commissioners of Carroll County,
all of Prairie Township (which then included all of the present White
County west of the Tippecanoe River) north of the line dividing Town-
ships 25 and 26 north was constituted Norway Township, and the elec-
tions were ordered held at the Norway mill. A Justice of the Peace was
ordered elected the first Monday in March, 1833, Henry Baum, In-
spector. This election was not held until April, 1833. The voters
were John Rothrock, Benj. Reynolds, Joseph Lewis, Jesse Johnson,
Sibley Hudson, John Burns, Henry Baum, Daniel Wolf, Jeremiah Bish-
er, James Barnes, George Bartley, Robert Rothrock, George Kemp,
Ashford Parker, Ira Bacon, George A. Spencer and Thomas Emerson.
The vote was — for Justice of the Peace : G. A. Spencer, 11, Robert New-
ell, 3, Melchi Gray, 1; Constable — James Barnes, 12, Benj. Reynolds, 5 ;
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 19
Overseers of the Poor — Armstrong Buchanan, 14, John Reese, 9; Fence
Viewers — B. N. Spencer, 11, Jeremiah Bisher, 5, Andrew Ferguson, 9,
John Burns, 3 ; Road Supervisor — John Roberts, 14.
In May the name Norway was discarded and Big Creek was adopted,
and the August election was ordered held at the house of Benj. N^
Spencer. On this occasion 26 votes were polled as follows : Peter
Price, James Signers, Samuel Gray, George Bartley, Cornelius Clark,
George Gates, John Roberts, Phillip Davis, Elias Louther, B. N.
Spencer, Benj. Reynolds, John Rothrock, Melchi Gray, Joseph Roth-
rock, G. A. Spencer, James Johnson, Robert Newell, Henry Baum,
Royal Hazleton, Jeremiah Bisher, James Barnes, Ira Bacon, James
Clark, John Reese, George Kemp and Andrew Ferguson.
In September, 1S33, Big Creek was divided as follows : All of
White County west of Tippecanoe River and north of the line dividing
Townships 26 and 27 north was constituted Union Township, and
elections were ordered held at the house of Melchi Gray. About
this time John Barr was made agent to expend the three per cent,
fund belonging to White County. No other changes were made in the
county until the organization in 1834.
The Circuit Court. — The first session of the Circuit Court of White
County was held at the house of George A. Spencer on the 17th of Octo-
ber, 1834. The President Judge, John R. Porter, not being present, the
court was conducted by James Barnes and Thomas Wilson, Associate
Judges. William Sill, father of Milton M. Sill, of Monticello, was pres-
ent, serving as Clerk, and John Wilson, as Sheriff". The Grand Jury
were Royal Hazleton (Foreman), William Woods, James Johnson,
Samuel Gray, Robert Barr, Aaron Hicks, Daniel Dale, Robert Hanners,
John Roberts, John Ferguson, James Parker, Joseph James, Sr., Corne-
lius Sutton, William Kerr and Joseph Thompson. An indictment was
returned against Jeremiah Bisher for malicious mischief, and the court
ordered the defendant to enter his recognizance for the next term of
court, with security at $50. As the story goes, Mr. Bisher had tied
some object to the tail of one of his neighbor's troublesome horses, and
the animal in its fright had injured itself. This was the only indict-
ment returned. The attorneys "sworn in" at this session of the court
were William P. Bryant, Andrew Ingraham, Aaron Finch and William
M. Jenners. The court then adjourned.
The second session was held in the same house, beginning April 17,
1835, with the President Judge, and both Associate Judges present. The
Grand Jury were Benjamin Reynolds (Foreman), Ashford Parker, David
Burkies, Elias Louther, Jonathan Harbolt, William Walters, Rowland
Harris, William Phillips, Mathew Terwillager, James Kent, Phillip Da-
20 - HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
vis, Armstrong Buchanan and Robert Newell. William Sill, Clerk,
John Wilson, Sheriff, and George A. Spencer, Bailiff. Bisher's case
came up, whereupon he pleaded guilty, and was fined five dollars, and sen-
tenced to commitment in the custody of the Sheriff for space of one minute,
the fine to go to the funds of the county Seminary, The Grand Jury re-
turned the following indictments : Against Jacob Gates for retailing liquor
without a license ; against Joseph Gates for firing prairie ; against Royal
Hazleton for marking hogs ; against Jeremiah Bisher for trespass to land ;
against William Keen for selling liquor to Indians ; against John Beaver
and Luke Beaver for an affray ; against William Farmer for selling clocks
without a license, and against D. Runion and S. Pharris, same as last.
In the case of Joseph Gates the indictment was quashed. Royal Hazle-
ton was found " not guilty " by the following jury : Joseph Sayre, Jacob
Crooks, John Price, Henry Smelcer, Oliver Hammond, Jacob Keplinger,
Thomas Kelley, Henry Baum, Robert A. Spencer, Joseph James, Joseph
Dale and Elisha Bowls. Mr. Bisher was fined $1.12J; Mr. Keen plead-
ed guilty and was fined five dollars and costs ; the Beavers were found
" not guilty " by a jury, and William Farmer pleaded guilty and was fined
two dollars and costs.
The early law practitioners atMonticello were Wm. M. Jenners, Wm. P.
Bryant, Andrew Ingraham, Aaron Finch, Rufus A. Lockwood and John
Pettit, in 1834 ; John W. Wright, 1835 ; Zebulon Baird, 1836 ; William
Wright, 1837 ; T. M. Thompson, 1838 ; Hiram Allen, 1838 ; Daniel D.
Pratt, 1839; D. Mace, 1840 ; W. Z. Stewart, 1840 ; L. S. Dale, 1841 ;
G. S. Orth, 1842 ; Robert Jones, Jr., 1843 ; Samuel A. Half, 1843 ;
David M. Dunn, 1843 ; J. F. Dodds, 1843 ; William Potter, 1847 ; A.
M. Crane, 1847 ; J. C. Applegate, 1848 ; Elijah Odell, 1848 ; A. L.
Pierce, 1848 ; David Turpie, 1849 ; Robert H. Milroy, 1849 ; T. 0. Rey-
burn, 1849 ; Hiram W. Chase, 1850 ; Abraham Timmons, 1851.
In September, 1834, the Commissioners appointed by the Legislature to
locate the county seat made the following report :
To THE Honorable the Cojoiissioners of the Cointy of White :
The uudersigned, Commissioners appointed by the Legislature of the State of Indiana
to locate the county seat of said county, beg leave to report that they, agreeable to the
provisions of the act for the formation of said county, met on the tirst Monday of Sep-
tember, 1834, and after being qualified according to law, they proceeded immediately to
the performance of the duties assigned them. They took considerable pains to become
acquainted vi^ith the situation of your county, and with that view made a personal exam-
ination of the greater portion of said county. The Commissioners have had considerable
difficulty in making up their minds as to the best location to fix the seat of justice, and
at last came to the conclusion to locate the seat of justice on the center line dividing the
foUovi^ing described fractions, viz.: The southwest fraction of the northwest quarter and
the northwest fraction of the southeast quarter of Section 33, Township 27 north, Range
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 21
3 west, on a bluff of Tippecanoe River. Eighty acres of the above described fractions
have been donated for the use of the county of White by Messrs. John Bai r, Sr., H. E.
Hiorth and John Rothrock, to be taken off the east side of said fraction by north and
south line. A bond for the conveyance of the same is herewith submitted. Also 11 10
was donated to the county of White by different individuals whose notes for the same,
payable to the County Commissioners, are also herewith submitted. The name we have
selected for the said county seat is MONTICELLO, after the home of the great disciple
of human liberty, Thomas -Jefferson.
In conclusion, gentlemen, permit us to indulge the hope that all local dissensions will
vanish amongst you, and that the citizens of White will go together as one man for the
improvement of your county and county seat. We are, gentlemen, very respect. ully,
your obedient servants,
John Kilgorb, ")
September 5, 1834. John B. King, j- Lociimrj Cnmmismovprx*
J.4MER H. Stewart, J
Proceedings of the Commissioners. — The first Board of Commission-
ers, consisting of David McCombs, Ira Bacon and Robert Newell, met at
the house of George A. Spencer on the 19th of July, 1884, and proceeded
first to lay off the county into Commissioners' districts as follows : District
No. 1. — All county territory south of the line passing east and west be-
tween Sections 16 and 21, Township 26 north, Range 3 west. District
No. 2. — All county territory north of such line and west of Tippecanoe
River. District No. 3. — All county territory east of Tippecanoe River,
At the same time the county and all territory attached thereto were
divided into the following townships : Township 25 north, in White
County, and all the territory attached thereto to be Prairie Townshij).
Township 26 north, in White County, and all the territory attached thereto
to be Big Creek Township. Township 27 north, and all of township 28 west
of Tippecanoe River, the same being in White County, and all the territory
attached thereto, to be Union Township. All of White County east of
Tippecanoe River to be Jaekso7i Township. Elections for Prairie Town-
ship ordered held at the house of William Wood, with Solomon Mc-
CuUoch, Inspector. Those of Big Creek at the house of George A.
Spencer, with James Kerr, Inspector. Those of Union Township at the
house of Melchi Gray, Avith James Spencer, Inspector. Those of Jack-
son Township at the house of Daniel Dale, with John Scott, Inspector.
Cornelius Clark was appointed County Assessor, and George A. Spencer
County Treasurer. Clark was also appointed Collector of State ami
County Revenue. At this time William Sill served as County Clerk and
John Wilson, as Sheriff.
At the September term, 1834, the report of the Commissioners appointed
to locate the county seat was received, accepted, and the officers were paid
$60 and discharged. The full text of this report will be found above.
* Three Commissioners only, of the four or possibly five appointed by the I egisltiture. met on this
occasion.
22 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
At this time John Barr was appointed County Agent. The county
revenue due the county was found to be $189. September 16th, the
county agent was authorized to lay off the county seat into lots, and ad-
vertise and sell a certain number on the 7th of November on the follow-
ing terms : One fourth in ninety days from date, the remainder in two
annual payments, the purchaser giving good security. In November,
a petition signed by twelve freeholders was presented to the board by
John Melholland praying that all the attached territory west of White
County might be formed into a township to be called Pine. Granted.
This territory comprised all of Indiana west of White County to the west
line of the State, now constituting the northern part of Benton County
and the southern portions of Jasper and Newton Counties. Elections in
the new township of Pine were ordered held at the house of E. Thorn-
ton, with Matthew Terwillager, Inspector, and Lott Thornton, Constable.
An election for Justice of the Peace was ordered for November 29,
1834. Cornelius Clark was appointed County Assessor for 1835, his
compensation to be |14.87^. The first petition for a road was received
from Big Creek Township, and signed by thirteen freeholders. James
Wilson, Samuel Gray and James Kerr were appointed Viewers. This
road was to extend from the northwest corner of Section 19, Township 26,
Range 3, on the nearest and best route to the county seat. The receipts
and expenditures of the county from July 19, 1884, to January 5, 1835,
were as follows :
RECEIPTS.
Amount of collections |132.18f
EXPENDITURES.
County orders now canceled 1K).37J
Treasurer's percentage 2.13|-
Total $112.50|
Balance on hand % 19. 68
In March, 1835, alicenseof $10 was levied upon clock venders, of $5 upon
tavern keepers, and of $25 upon grocery keepers. A tax upon all real and
personal property was levied to the full limit of the law: 40 cents on each 100
acres of first class land, 30 cents on second class land, and 20 cents on third
class land. The board met at the house of George Spencer until May, 1835,
when, for the first time, they convened at Monticello. On the 5th of May,
1835, the County Commissioners, with commendable enterprise, ordered
that a meeting of the citizens of the county be called for the 12th of
June, to organize an agricultural society in pursuance of legislative en-
actment. The board ordered that a large lot on Tippecanoe street be
HISTORY OP WHITE COUNTY. 23
donated for the purpose of building thereon a church to be used by all
religious denominations. In September, 1835, the following territory
attached to White County on the north was formed into Marion Town-
ship : All that territory lying north of the township line between Town-
ships 28 and 29, and west of Tippecanoe River, and westwardly to the
State line. Elections were ordered held at the house of William Dona-
hue, with Thomas Randle, Inspector. The 26th of September was fixed
for the election of a Justice of the Peace. William Donahue was made
Road Supervisor. Melchi Gray was paid $25.50 for assessing the county
in 1835. The grocei-y license was fixed as follows :
Capital under $300 $ 6 license.
Capital over $300 and under |600 $10 licenae.
Capital over $600 and under $1,000 $15 license.
In January, 1836, Robert A. Spencer donated the county of White a
tract of land 18 rods square for a burying ground. The Board met at
the house of Jonathan Harbolt in March, 1836. Peter Martin was ap-
pointed County Assessor. John Barr, County Agent, exhibited his re-
port to date (March 8, 1836) of the sale of county lots in the town of
Monticello, as follows :
Gross receipt of sales from Nov. 7, 1834, to March 8, 1836 $1,870.37^
Amount donated by sundry individuals 110.00
Total receipts $1,980.37^
Paid Jonathan Harbolt on court-house $ ] 24.681
Paid Oliver Hammond do. 70.00
Total expenditures $ 194.68^
Receipt balance l,785.68f
Total cash received on sales 566.06|^
Amount of sales held as paper $1,414.31^
In May, 1836, the Board met at the house of Rolland Hews, in Monti-
cello. G. A. Spencer was re-appointed County Treasurer for 1836-7,
and Jonathan Harbolt, Seminary Trustee for the same period. As no
agricultural society was organized as calculated in 1835, and as stated
above, the Commissioners again called a meeting for that purpose to be
held at Monticello June 11, 1836. In November, 1836, the Board met
in the store-house of Reynolds k Castle at Monticello. The Three per
cent. Commissioner reported having received from the State in accord with
a legislative enactment the sum of $1,311.74, the most of which was or-
dered put out on interest. In March, 1837, the Board called for sealed
proposals for renting and establishing a ferry across the river at Monti-
cello. In September Lewis Dawson of Pulaski County, which county
24 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
was still attached to White, was appointed to superintend the application
of the three per cent, fund due that county. In November the Board
met at the house of Melchi Gray in Monticello. The clerk was ordered
in 1843 to procure a half bushel and a gallon measure ; also a branding
iron with the letters W. C. on the same to mark county measures.
Court-houses and Jails. — In accordance with the legislative order or-
ganizing the county of White, the first Circuit Court convened at the
house of George A. Spencer in Big Creek Township, in 1834. It con-
tinued to sit there for two years, or until the autumn of 1836, when it
was removed to the county seat. This old building is yet standing' in a
fair state of preservation.
On the 5th of May, 1835, the Commissioners ordered that lot 29 in
Monticello be set apart for the purpose of erecting thereon a court-house
of the following size : twenty by thirty-two feet, two stories high, two
partitions above dividing the rooms equally, and one below dividing the
rooms twelve and twenty feet in length, respectively; one brick chimney
to the small room, the house to be frame and of first-rate material, and to
be completed by the 15th of October, 1835. Solomon Sherwood, B. A.
Spencer, Jonathan Harbolt and Oliver Hammond were employed to build
the house, but the work was not fully completed until about May, 1837,
the total cost amounting to about |800. The house erected was not in
all respects as described above, as several quite important alterations were
made. About this time the jail which had been contracted to be built by
Wm. M. Kenton was progressing, but the same was not completed until
late in 1838, the total cost amounting to about $600. This jail was pro-
vided not only with criminal rooms, but also with a room for such persons
as could not or would not pay their just debts. Such rooms were in de-
mand in those early days, and even now we could appreciate the wisdom
of such a law in many instances.
At a special session of the Board in February, 1845, the propriety of
building county ofiices was broached, but definite consideration of the
subject was postponed until the regular session in March. Then, ap-
parently, the subject was entirely overlooked; at least nothing appears
upon the records to show that the consideration was resumed as ordered.
In June, 1846, however, the County Agent was ordered to take measures
to have erected on lot 29 a frame building, sixteen by twenty feet, and
one story high, to be completed by September, 1846, and the agent was
further directed to call for sealed proposals for the erection of the
building, and if no proposal was received, then to contract with any
responsible person. It was also ordered that the agent proceed to
collect a sufiicient amount of the outstanding donation fund as would
cover the cost of constructing the house. Zachariah Van Buskirk was
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 25
employed, and the house was completed according to contract, the
total cost being about $500. This building was called the " Clerk's
Office."
In 1848 the work of building a new and much larger court-house
was begun, George BroWn taking the contract. No definite time was
set for the completion of the house, as the funds of the county were
very low, and the means of obtaining suitable additions to carry on
the necessary expense were largely beyond the reach of the Commis-
sioners. County orders which had been issued to the amount of sev-
eral thousand dollars were selling at about five per cent, discount,
and new ones gave no promise of selling for a better figure — just the
reverse. Regardless of this discouraging condition of affairs the Com-
missioners borrowed $2,000, and ordered the work to commence. But
the progress of construction hung fire, and the building was not ready
for occupancy until 1851. The total cost, including the furnishings,
was nearly $8,000. The house was entirely paid for within a year
after it was completed. In September, 1850, the "' Clerk's Office'"
was ordered sold, the proceeds to be applied on the new court-house. On
the 4th of December, 1851, more than three years after the house had
been commenced, the Board ordered the offices of Clerk, Auditor, Re-
corder and Treasurer removed to the new house. The Circuit Court oc-
cupied the new court-room that fiill for the first time. The quaint old
brick building, with its long corridor, its heavy windows, and its front
"stoop " supported by two massive columns, is yet occupied, and gives prom-
ise of many more years of usefulness despite the crevices which have
pierced its sides, and the decay which time has stamped upon its walls
Could that old building speak, what a tale it could unfold.
In June, 1854, the Board gave the conti'act for a new jail to Michael
A. Berkey and J. C. Reynolds, the work to be begun inmiediately, and
the building to be finished by the 1st of June, 1855. The site of the
structure was fixed on the west end of the court-house square. The con-
tractors faithfully performed their part of the agreement, though the
building was not formally accepted by the Board until September, 1855.
The cost Avas $1,640.
In 1864 it was found necessary to build a new jail. Specifications
were exhibited, proposals were called for, and finally the contract was
awarded to Jacob Hanaway and Charles Breckinridge, the price being
$6,000. At this time the county Avas not embarrassed to provide funds
notwithstanding the drafts made upon her for soldiers' bounty, relief of
soldiers' widows and orphans, and road and bridge expenses. The build-
ing was completed in 1865, and accepted by the Board in December.
It was provided with strong iron cells for those who disobeyed the laws.
26 HISTORY OP WHITE COUNTY.
In 1875 it was decided to build a new jail, and plans presented by Ran-
dall and Millard, of Chicago, were accepted. The contract was let to
Ralph Dixon at $7,700. John Saunders was appointed to superintend
the construction. The building was immediately commenced, and was
carried to rapid completion, and in December the finished jail, with
jailor's residence attached, was turned over to the County Board, and
formally accepted by them. This building is yet in use.
County Seminary. — About the time the county was organized in 1834,
a legislative enactment was passed, providing that certain fines, penal-
ties, etc., such as for swearing, breaking the Sabbath, rioting, etc., should
be appropriated and applied toward the maintenance of a County Semi-
nary. On the 5th of May, 1835, Jonathan Harbolt was appointed Semi-
nary Trustee to serve for one year. In January, 1886, the amount of
funds on hand was |84. The law provided that when $400 had been
obtained, the Board might proceed to erect a Seminary building. The
increase of funds was very slow, there having been collected by the year
1847 only $211.30 ; by 1849, $274.69 ; by June, 1850, $315 ; by June,
1851, $360.62 ; by June, 1852, $403.28 ; by March, 1854, $440 ; and by
1857, $781.43. Just about the time the Board was making preparations
to build a Seminary, the new school law came into efi"ect, and the funds
were turned over to the common schools. Thus the Seminary project
ended.
County Library. — Another scheme of a similar character was that for
securing and maintaining a County Library. Funds were secured in
much the same way as for the Seminary. A few books were purchased
as early as 1838, and from time to time were added to, until in 1845
several hundred volumes were scattered over the county in the homes of
the early settlers. In 1845 the Board of Commissioners organized them-
selves as Trustees of the County Library, Allen Barnes becoming pres-
ident, and Charles W. Kendall, librarian and clerk. The clerk was
directed to gather in by public notice all the scattered books, and prepare
a suitable catalogue, and keep the binding in repair ; also purchase, as the
funds would allow, additional books. He was likewise instructed to pre-
pare a constitution and by-laws, to be submitted to the Trustees for their
adoption, if satisfactory. All this was complied with. J. C. Reynolds
was appointed treasurer of the library. C. W. Kendall refused to serve
as librarian and clerk, and J. M. Rifenberrick was appointed. John R.
Willey became librarian in 1849. At last the scheme was abandoned
by the State, and the books became scattered, lost, and were not re-
placed. Township libraries took the place of the old county library. A
number of years ago the McClure bequest furnished the county with mis-
cellaneous books. The splendid system of newspapers throughout the
.>,;.4 i4
MONTJGELLO PUBLIC SCHOOL BUlLDIMG.
THl NEW YOKK
PUBLIC LIBKART
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. ' 29
United States, and an abundance of cheap books, have obliterated
the conditions requiring the continuance of the old systems of county and
township libraries. The larger towns and many of the smaller ones have
extensive circulating libraries, but the newspaper is the great " book" of
the American people. Its usefulness has tripled within the last twenty
years. The effects will be seen fifty years hence.
The report of John Barr, County Agent, of the sale of county lots in
Monticello from the 7th of November, 1834, to the 28th of April, 1837,
was as follows :
RECEIPTS.
Total, including $110.00 donated by sundry persons $5,120.95
EXPENDITURES.
Amount transferred to Mr.'Rifenberrick, present agent 8,738.77
Vouchers on file 1,180.00
Note, with interest to date, to Mr. Rifenberrick 202.82
Total Ii!5,121.5y
The sale of county lots was for many years an important source
of revenue. When the Commissioners were in a strait, they would
authorize the sale of a specified number, and the immediate collection of
the proceeds of former sales. Many years sometimes elapsed before lots
were paid for, and in a few instances the lots were returned to the Com-
missioners, the purchaser utterly failing to pay as promised. These lots
were donated to the county by the proprietors of Monticello in consider-
ation of having the county seat located there.
Miscellaneous Items of Interest. — In 1846 the annual expense of the
county officers had risen from almost nothing to $425,47; in 1848 to
$496.04 ; in 1850 to $580.51 ; in 1851 to $819.17 ; in 1852 to $1,378.96 ;
in 1855 to $916.15 ; in 1859 to $1,557.09 ; in 1864 to $2,597.46 ; in
1868 to $2,736.32 ; in 1872 to $3,210.32; in 1876 to $5,851.23; in 1880
to $3,462.72.
For the year 1834, the county receipts were $202. 06|; expenditures,
$202.06^. For the year ending May, 1836, receipts, $290,381; expendi-
tures, $267. 861. In 1839, receipts, $717.47; expenditures, $717.09. In
1842, receipts, $1,477.13; expenditures, $1,136.81. In 1845, receipts,
$2,416.99; expenditures, $2,337.79. In 1849, receipts, $5,931.82;
expenditures, $7,018.72. In 1855, receipts, $10,948.79 ; expenditures,
$11,800.29 ; balance on hand, $993.78. In 1858, receipts, $19,662.30 ;
expenditures, $20,797.15. In 1864, receipts, $44,572.17; expenditures,
$48,311.51. In 1868, receipts, $78,551.47; expenditures, $72,353.70.
In 1872, receipts, $82,908.27; expenditures, $78,629.27. In 1876,
30
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
receipts, |8T,110.96 ; expenditures, $108,516.05. In 1880, receipts,
1120,895.07; expenditures, $119,674.52.
The auditor's report of receipts and expenditures for the financial yeai
ending on the 31st of May, A. D. 1882, was as follows:
RECEIPTS.
Balance in Treasury June 1, 1881 |42,326 23
Net amount of State tax of 1881, 3,450 00
New State House tax of 1881 522 43
State School tax of 1881, 4,649 16
County tax of 1881, 11,278 68
Township tax of 1881, 1,554 09
Road tax of 1881, 8,091 47
Tuition tax of 1881, 5,716 03
Special School tax of 188 1 , \ 5,041 71
Dog tax of 1881, 552 19
Delinquent tax 1880 and previous years 41,572 01
Common School Revenue from State, , 11,992 70
Redemption of real estate, 4,236 30
University Fund, Principal, 135 00
" " Interest, 26 25
Swamp Land Sales 50 00
Circuit Couit Docket fees, 277 55
" ' ' Jury fees, 64 50
" Bailiff fees, 32 75
Railroad tax 15,487 00
Receipts from other counties for court expenses, . . 794 05
Received from Ex-treasurer Rothrock's bondsmen, 1,900 00
Sale of stock from county farm, 98 10
Miscellaneous Receipts, 365 39
Received from Ditch Assessments, 589 16
Total Receipts
.$160,802 75
EXPENDITURES.
Net amount of State t^x of 1881, paid over.
New State House tax of '81," " .
State School tax of '81,
Delinquent State tax " " .
Del. State House tax " " .
" " School tax " " .
Circuit Court docket fees " " .
University fund. Principal " " .
" " Interest " " .
Swamp land funds " " .
Specific Expense
Prisoner
County Officers
Jurors
Bailiffs
Court
$3^
450 00
522 43
,649 16
,819 35
595 70
,357 40
277 55
135 00
26 25
50 00
,624 81
501 03
,964 17
,317 20
403 00
,922 42
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 31
Pauper " 2,273 66
Poor Farm " 1 ,810 59
Attorneys " 292 50
Coroner's Inquest " 106 70
Road " 535 50
Ditch " 2,870 28
Fox and Wolf scalps " 348 00
Public Printing " 357 97
Stationery " 2,022 50
Assessing " 1,431 25
Blind and Insane " 298 82
Fuel " 308 80
Bridge " 2,492 89
Deaf and Dumb " 43 75
Surveyor's fees " 4 55
Estray " 443 04
Public building " 1,100 52
County Sup' t " 736 41
Redemp'nofland " 4,098 34
Township fund paid Trustees.... 5,268 48
Road " " " 12,250 83
Special school « " " .... 9,845 98
Tuition '• " " .... 9,229 07
Common school " " " . . . . 12,212 88
Dog " " " 968 76
Interest paid on County Orders 30
Bonds 1,200 00
Bonds Redeemed 6,000 00
Ditch Certificates Redeemed 980 66
Total Disbursements $110,148 49
RECAPITULATION.
Total Receipts to June 1, 1882 $160,802 76
Total Expenditures to June 1, 1882 110,148 49
Balance in Treasury June 1, 1882 $50,654 26
Of the amount of balance in Treasury, there is due the
Townships and Corporations $17,582 67
Railroad Tax 16,208 58
County Bond Fund 10,943 17
County Funds 5,919 84
Total $50,654 26
H. Van VOORST, Auditor,
* M. T. DIDLAKE, Treasurer.
County Paupers^ — The first expense incurred by the county in the
care of public paupers, so far as can be ascertained, was in April, 1839,
when the Commissioners ordered paid to James Mill the sum of $25 for
taking care of a helpless person named Robert Ellison. The total pauper
expense for the year ending May 1, 1839, was $39 ; for the year end-
32 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
ing June 9, 1841, $40.77 ; for the year ending June 1, 1846, $161.79 ;
for the year ending June 1, 1847, $212.68 ; for the year ending June 1,
1852, $184.19 ; for the year ending June 1, 1854, $581.73 ; for the
year ending June 1, 1856, $817.36 ; for the year ending June 1, 1858,
11,217.40; for the year ending June 1, 1860, $1,578.98; for the year
ending June 1, 1864, $2,083.45 ; for the year ending June 1, 1868,
$1,867.56; for the year ending June 1, 1873, $1,177.31; for the year
ending .June 1, 1878, $2,625.09, and for the year ending June 1, 1882,
$2,273.66, The poor were at first taken care of by individuals to whom
they were confided, the lowest bidder assuming the responsibility. Pro-
posals for the care of the indigent were received from any respectable
family. The expense was borne by the county. This plan was called
"farming out " the paupers, and probably was a class of husbandry simi-
lar to " baby farming," as sung of by Little Buttercup :
" A many years ago
When I was young and charming,
As some of you may know
I practiced baby farming."
Some years the crop was almost a failure, owing doubtless to the pov-
erty of the soil ; but at other times the yield satisfied the most exacting
producer, though the Commissioners on such occasions were usually blue.
The first farm for the poor was purchased in 1857 of J. C. Reynolds, and
consisted of 160 acres, a portion of the present farm. Small tracts have
been added from time to time since, until at present there are about 280
acres. At the time the first land was purchased, there was standing upon
it an ordinary dwelling of that period, which was fitted up for the care
of such indigent persons as could not be " farmed out." This building
was much improved as the years passed, and new structures were erected
to keep pace with the demand of the poor for care. Notwithstanding the
home thus prepared, many of the county's helpless have not been removed
to that haven at all, but have been kept by private individuals through-
out the county, often from motives of delicacy, they not wishing to incur
the considered disgrace of a removal of their relatives to a public poor-
house. At the same time an allowance for the care of such helpless per-
sons was made by the County Board. In fh? Autumn of 1875 it was de-
cided to erect a more commodious poorhouse. The c )ntract was awarded
to Harbolt and Til ton, the house to be a frame, and to cost $3,000. The
work was begun, and the building was ready for occupancy in December.
The present facilities for the care of the poor are surpassed by but few
counties in the State. The superintendents of the poor farm have been
as follows : Charles Rider, 1858 ; Samuel Downs, 1859-60 ; Gordon
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 33
McWilliams, 1861 ; Samuel Downs, 1862 ; Gordon McWilliams, 1863-
64 ; Samuel K. McClintock, 1865-66 ; Daniel Wall, 1867-69 ; John
Steen, 1870-71 ; John W. Snyder, 1872 ; Abraham Ballantine, 1873 ;
Benjamin H. Brusie, 1874-79; John Snyder, 1881-82; Isaac Amick,
1883.
Agricultural Societi/. — A few years after the county was organized,
attempts were made to organize an agricultural society pursuant to an
enactment of the State Legislature approved about the year 1838. Meet-
ings were held for that purpose, and something in the Avay of organiza-
tion was effected, but there all effort died Avithout hope of early resurrec-
tion. The citizens of Reynolds and vicinity deserve great credit for
early action in the direction of a promotion of agricultural, horticultural,
and stock breeding interests. The People's Agricultural Society was or-
ganized there twenty-five years ago, and much interest was manifested,
and it was no doubt largely due to this interest that the county at large
took up the matter. So far as can be learned, nothing further was done
until October, 1857, at which time the citizens of Big Creek Township
assembled, called A. S. White to the chair, appointed E.- D. Smith,
Secretary, and adopted the following resolution ;
Resolved, That this meeting deem it expedient that an effort be made to organize an
Agricultural Society in White County, and that the citizens of the county be required
to assemble at Monticello, Saturday, November 14th, at noon, to consult upon the subject,
and if deemed admissible to take proper steps for the organization of such society. A
general attendance from each township is requested.
A respectable attendance of the citizens of the county answered the
call on the 14th of November, on which occasion David Turpie was made
Chairman and Abel T. Smith, Secretary. A. F. Reed, Lucius Pierce
and Abel T. Smith were appointed a committee to draft articles of asso-
ciation, and report at the next meeting. Adjourned until the 7th of De-
cember. On this day the White County Agricultural Society was fully
organized. The following members were elected the first officers : Al-
bert S. White, President; Lucius Pierce, Vice-President; Randolph
Brearly, Treasurer. Directors, R. W. Sill, of Honey Creek ; Anderson
Irions, of West Point ; John A. Bunnell, of Princeton ; C. Hayes, of
Prairie ; John C. Hughes, of Liberty ; W. H. King, of Cass ; James El-
liott, of Jackson ; Peter Price, of Union ; A. A. Cole, of Monon, and
George A. Spencer, of Big Creek. Over one hundred persons signed
the constitution, and paid the fee of membership. At meetings held the
following spring all necessary committees for the first fair to be held the
Autumn of 1858 were appointed. A respectable premium list was pre-
pared, and a really fine display resulted. Not only were all departments
3
34 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
of the farm represented, but tlie arts and the mechanical industries were
required to contribute to the general success of the occasion. After this,
fairs were held quite regularly, often with abundant success, but some-
times with but little display or interest, for about ten years ; since which
time, all eiforts for a revival of this very important enterprise have en-
countered flat failure. Before this society was organized, a local Agricult-
ural Society, called " The Farmers' Association," was instituted (probably
in Jackson Township), the objects of which were about the same as or-
dinary societies for the promotion of agriculture, etc. The organization
was completed in February, 1857, and on the 7th of November following
a fair was held where horses, cattle, sheep, swine, vegetables, grain and
fancy household work were exhibited. The Agricultural Society that
was organized the same fall, as stated above, was the legitimate outgrowth
of this " Farmers' Association." Unfortunately the names of the mem-
bers can not be given. It is, perhaps, unnecessary to call attention to
the importance of having in the county a society of this character. The
County Commissioners should purchase the ground, and fit it with suitable
buildings and accommodations. This would insure a permanent organiza-
tion.
Medical Society. — On the 26th of April, 1864, pursuant to notice,
eight members of the medical profession of White County met at the
office of Dr. Haymond for the purpose of organizing a medical society.
Dr. Anderson was made chairman, and a constitution previously prepared
was read and adopted. An election of permanent officers resulted as fol-
lows : Dr. Haymond, President ; Dr. Medaris, Vice-President ; Dr.
Blackwell, Secretary. The time of meeting was fixed for the second
Tuesday of each month. Various committees were appointed, and Dr.
Anderson was selected to prepare and read at the next meeting, an essay
on any medical subject he might choose. The society then adjourned to
meet at Reynold's the second Tuesday in May next. Among other
things the constitution provided that none but " Regular Physicians " liv-
ing in the county could become members ; that three members should
constitute a quorum ; that at each regular meeting the President should
appoint a member to prepare an essay on some subject connected with
medicine to be read at the next meeting ; that physicians of other coun-
ties might become honorary members. Some of the early members were
C. A. Barnes, H. P. Anderson, W. H. Ball, John A. Blackwell, W. S.
Haymond, John Medaris, J. R. Skidmore, John A. Wood, William
Spencer, J. H. Thomas, William Mote, A. V. Moore, H. D. Riddile, C.
E. Lamon, R. A. Harcourt and A. B. Ballou. Other members were A.
B. Jones, F. A. Grant, R. H. Delzell, R. S. Black, W. Tracy, W. V.
Trowbridge, John Harcourt, M. T. Didlake, W. Holtzman, R. J. Clark
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 35
and S. 11. Parks. Meetings continued to be held quite regularly, much
interest being manifested, until 1869, when they were abandoned, though
they were resumed again in October, 1875, at which time some modifi-
cations in the laws were made. Several other intervals when no meet-
ing were held have elapsed. The society is at present in a prosperous
condition. It has been the custom since the society was first established
to hold "clinics" and thoroughly discuss the cases in open debate.
Interesting essays on all conceivable medical subjects have been read and
discussed with an interest and vigor highly praiseworthy. The result
has been to stimulate medical study and investigation, and give each
member the benefit of the learning and experience of all his fellows.
Some of the subjects discussed were as follows : Cerebro spinal meningi-
tis, erysipelas, dysentery, prolapsus ani, endo and pericarditis, chloroform
in parturition, Asiatic cholera, typhoid fever, etc. Physicians of other
schools, such as Eclectic and Homeopathic, are debarred from becoming
members, but it must be said that some of the most successful medical
practitioners in the county are graduates of these celebrated schools.
The following is a list of county physicians : L. A. Alford, S. B.
Bushnell, R. J. Clark, William Tracy, William Spencer, Caleb Scott, J.
P>. Burton, S. R. Cowger, H. B. Jones, R. B. Palmer, F. A. Grant, A.
J. Dern, Isidore Welte, W. V. Trowbridge, R. M. Delzell, A. V. Men-
denhall, D. W. Strouse, A. B. Ballou, M. C. Kent, William Guthrie,
John C. Sharrer, T. B. Robinson, D. M. Kelley, J. W. McAllister, W. H.
Holtzman, John Medaris, W. K. Briscoe, J. T. Smith, W. J. Baugh, L. W.
Henry, L. Ramsey, H. J. Banta, J. W. Fogg, Mrs. Eliza Barans (midwiff(),
Jane McKillop (midwife), M. L. Carr, W. W. Wilkerson, S. D. Sluyter,
G. R. Clayton, R. R. Ober, Caroline Wittenberg, J. V. Reed, J. A.
Wood, S. H. Parks, J. B. Baudle, W. R. Aydelotte, and H. E. Small.
Creation of Towviships. — The county was at first divided into Prairie,
Big Creek, Union and Jackson Townships on the 19th of July, 1884.
The limits of these townships were described a few pages back. Monon
was created in January, 1836; Liberty in September, 1837 ; Princeton,
March, 1844 ; West Point, June, 1845 ; Cass, June, 1848 ; Honey Creek,
June, 1855 ; Round Grove, December, 1858. Scarcely a township was
created with its present boundaries, but all have been subjected to nu-
merous and various alterations, an account of which will be found under
the appropriate heads.
County Si'.at Question. — Citizens in different portions of the county
have made efforts from time to time, even as late as fifteen years ago, to
either have the county seat located at some other point, or to have a new
county formed partly out of White and partly out of several other sur-
rounding counties. It was thought to have a county created, the geo-
36 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
graphical center of which would be in Jackson Township, thus transform-
ing Idaville or Burnettsville into a county seat, and throwing the county
seat of White County eight or ten miles westward. It is not likely that
a change of this character will occur ; at least the citizens of Monticello
would squander their ready money to prevent so dire a disaster to their
pecuniary interests.
County Statistics, 1880.— Acres of wheat, 19,800, bushels, 257,092 ;
acres of corn, 36,888, bushels, 1,035,203; acres of oats, 18,884, bushels,
231,176 , acres of barley, 34, bushels, 460 ; acres of rye, 269, bushels,
2,577 ; acres of Irish potatoes, 294, bushels, 16,472 ; acres of tobacco, 9,
pounds, 600 , acres of buckwheat, 339, bushels, 3,347 ; acres of timothy
meadow, 13,704, tons of timothy hay, 16,725 ; bushelsof timothy seed, 202 ;
acres of clover, 579, bushels of seed, 568 ; acres of flax, 844, bushels of flax-
seed, 4,011, tons of straw, 20 ; steam threshers, 12 ; horse-power threshers,
11 ; bushels of apples, 59,710 ; bushels of dried apples, 830 ; bushels of
pears, 91 ; bushels of peaches, 1,032; pounds of grapes, 20,353 ; gallons of
strawberries, 398; gallons of cherries, 1,596 ; stands of bees, 1,239; pounds
of honey, 16,724 ; cattle, 14,491; horses, 5,366; mules, 525; hogs, 28,550;
sheep, 12,982; gallons of cider, 46,160; gallons of vinegar, 5,202; gallons
of wine, 81; gallons of sorghum molasses, 4,956; gallons of maple molasses,
40; pounds of butter, 217,522; dozens of eggs, 134,482; pounds of feath-
ers, 1,846 ; township teachers' Institutes held, 41 (1881) ; male teachers,
82 '^ female teachers, 42 ; brick schoolhouses, 1 ; frame schoolhouses, 107 ;
value oi schoolhouses and grounds, $92,500 ; volumes of township libraries,
1,148 ; number of private schools, 15 ; common and congressional school
fund, $55,153.75 ; cubic feet of sandstone quarried, 153 ; cubic feet of lime-
stone quarried, 162.
Population.— In 1830, probably 40 ; in 1840, 1,832; in 1850, 4,761;
in 1860, 8,258; in 1870, 10,554; in 1880, 13,747; as follows: Union,
2,213 ; Round Grove and White Post, 1,635; Jackson, 1,724; Cass and
Liberty, 1,785 ; Monon, 1,172 ; Honey Creek, 902 ; Big Creek, 776 ;
Prairie, 2,144 , Princeton, 1,396.
Old /Settlers' Association. — The first organized gathering of the old set-
tlers of White County took place at the grove of George Spencer in Big
Creek Township in the autumn of 1858. Many were present and a
pleasant day was spent, though the details can not be given. The follow-
ing year the second meeting was held at the same place, and of this meet-
ing, also, there are no existing records. The meeting of September 8,
1860, was held at the same place, several hundreds of the oldest residents
being present. George A. Spencer was made President ; Thomas Spen-
cer, John Roberts and W. M. Kenton, Vice-Presidents ; Lucius Pierce,
Marshal, and J. J. Barnes, Secretary. Rev. H. C. McBride, Hon.
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 37
Charles Test and Alfred Reed addressed the assemblage, reviewing in
outline the history of the county, the mingled hardships and joys of
earlier years, and extolling the hardy courageof the pioneers. A fine
dinner was enjoyed, and the remainder of the day was spent in narrating
personal experiences of the first settlement. It is quite likely that no
further meetings were held until the present association was formed, as the
war came on and engrossed the public mind.
Pursuant to notice, a large meeting of old settlers was held at the court-
house in Monticello, Saturday, August 16, 1873. C. W. Kendall was
elected temporary Chairman, and 0. S. Dale, Secretary. The permanent
officers elected were Alfred Reed, President ; C. W. Kendall, Secretary,
and Israel Nordyke, Treasurer ; Peter Price, William Burns, Robert
Rothrock, Solomon McCully, Noah Davis, Thomas Downey, Samuel
Smelcer, Nathaniel Rogers, John Burns, Joseph McBeth, Joseph H. Thomp-
son, William Jourdan and Austin Ward, Vice-Presidents. It was de-
cided that persons living in the county twenty-one years should be consid-
ered old settlers. A meeting was then fixed for the 25th of September, and
a suitable program prepared. The procession formed at the court-house
on the day stated, and marched to the Fair Ground, where miscellaneous
services were enjoyed. The meeting of 1874 was held at Reynold's Grove
near Monticello, as was that of 1875 and of 1876. At the latter meeting
a long historical address was read by Milton M. Sill. Meetings have
been held annually since. It has been customary to procure some speaker
from abroad ; but the most interesting and valuable features of the meet-
ings are the personal reminiscences of the old settlers.* The usual pro-
gram is something like this : 1. Music by the band. 2. Prayer. 3.
Reading of Minutes. 4. Music by the old settlers' choir. 5. Calling roll
of old settlers. 6. Picnic dinner. 7. Old songs. 8. Historical and mis-
cellaneous addresses. 9. Election of officers. 10. Annual address. 11.
Social enjoyment. 12. Adjournment. The total membership since 1873
has been 340. The officers for the ensuing year (1882-3) are: Presi-
dent, B. K. Roach ; Vice-Presidents, Charles Reid, Sen., George Cullen,
Thomas Barnes, Jesse L. Watson, D. M. Tilton, C. C. Spencer, John
Gay, Stewart Rariden, Anderson Irion, Isaac M. Davis and Aaron
Wood ; Secretary, A. R. Orton ; Treasurer, W. B. Spencer.
Educational Statistics. — In 1840 there was but one established school
• It is a serious mistake that the incidents of early days, as narrated at these meetings, are not
carefully preserved. What will the descendants of the old settlers think, fifty years hence, of the
fact that an old settlers' meeting was held, for instance, in 1880 ? They won't care a straw for such
knowledge. They will want the stories told by you, and ymt— the actual and detailed experiences
of their grandfathers. They will want your deer stories, your Indian stories, your stories of priva-
tion, descriptions of schools, churches, domestic experiences, journeys to mill and to towu— not of
such things in general, but what you actually saw and passed through. By all means old settlera
should see that such things are recorded. If necessar>- a competent clerk could 1 e hired,
38 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
in White County, and that was at Monticello. Schools had been taught
in other places, notably in Prairie Township, but no schoolhouses had
been erected where steady or regular schools were taught. The first
Teachers' Institute was held in 1866 with an attendance of 82. In 1865
there were 76 teachers, and two graded schools with five teachers. The
first graded school was taught by George Bowman in 1848-9. In 1878
there were 4,590 school children ; in 1868 there were 3,673, and in 1852
there were in Township 27, Range 3, 394; T. 28, R. 3, 213; T. 27, R.
2, 303 ; T. 27, R. 5, 113 ; T. 26, R. 3, 146 ; T. 28, R. 4, 142 ; T. 25,
R. 2, 118 ; T. 25, R. 3, 148 ; T. 25, R. 4, 197 ; T. 26, R. 4, 117.
The net amount of school tax in 1851 was $822.45. In March, 1853,
the surplus revenue Avas $2,125 ; interest, $166.41 ; total, $2,291.41 ;
expense from this fund, $145.16.
Report for the year ending April 30, 1856 :
Number of Children. Total School Fund.
Prairie 466 $ 548.86
Big Creek 211 458.63
Union 523 377.90
Monon 342 397.45
Liberty 269 278.70
Jackson 374 317.78
Princeton 169 159.89
West Point .... 138 324.46
Cass 138 195.41
Honey Creek 76 113.21
Total 2706 $3,371.79
In 1878 there Avere seven graded schools Avith tAA'elve teachers. At
the same time there were 124 teachers in the county ; also 102 school-
houses. Per cent, of children enrolled in the schools in 1878 v^^as 83.
Number of children not attending school, 762. J^umber of teachers in
1877, 113. Number of schoolhouses in 1853, 25. Amount of congres-
sional school fund held in trust in 1878, $35,570.96. Estimated value of
school property, $91,850. Estimated value of school apparatus, $2,015.
Estimated special school tax, $11,079.50. Number of volumes in town-
ship library, 1,356. Number of pri\'ate schools taught in public, 20.
Number of toAvnship institutes during the year (1878), 45. Amount of
common school fund held in trust in 1878, $13,983.26. Annual revenue
from liquor license, $700. Tuition revenue for schools, $7,688.86. Whole
number of teachers licensed — males, 147, females, 103. Number rejected,
80. Attendance at one county institute, 178. Tavo Normal Institutes —
enrollment at Monticello, 46, at Burnettsville, 144. Average daily
attendance of children in the county schools, 2,423. Number of brick
schoolhouses, 1. Number of school children in 1880, 4,514.
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
39
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40 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
County Commissioners. — Ira Bacon. Daniel McCombs and Robert
Newell, 1834; Daniel Dale appointed November, 1834, vice McCombs re-
signed; Robert Newell, 1835 ; James Gay appointed May, 1886, vice Ira
Bacon resigned; James K. Wilson, 1836; William W. Mitchell, 1837;
William Wood, 1838; John Young, 1839; James H. Hiett, 1840; Ransom
McOonnahay, 1841 ; Allen Barnes appointed November, 1841, vice
Hiett resigned; C. D. W. Scott, 1842; James Kerr appointed Septem-
ber, 1842; Allen Barnes, 1843; James Shafer, 1844; J. H. Wilson, 1845;
Solomon McCulley, 1846; Samuel Smelcer, 1847 ; James P. Moore,
1848; Jefferson Courtney, 1849; Solomon McCulley appointed 1850,
vice Courtney removed from the District; James K. Wilson, 1851;
Christopher Vandeventer, 1852; Andrew Hannah, 1853; J. K. Wilson,
1854; S. K. Timmons, 1855; Thomas Downey, 1856; William H. King
appointed spring of 1857; George Cullen, 1858; Anderson Irions, 1859;
A. M. Dickinson, 1860; George Cullen, 1861; James Hays, 1862; A.
M. Dickinson, 1863; James Renwick, 1864; Samuel Smelcer, 1865;
Christopher Hardy, 1866; John G. Timmons, 1867; Theodore J. Davis,
1868 ; James C. Gross, 1869; Thomas Downey, 1870; John Parrish, 1871;
A. M. Dickinson, 1872; John Parrish, 1873; Martin R. Cartmell, 1874;
. David L. Fisher, 1875; Jacob Pfister, 1876; Nelson Hornbeck, 1877;
Jacob Pfister, 1878; John T. Barnes, 1879; John Q. Beam, 1880 ; John
T. Barnes, 1881; Eli W. Cowger, 1882; Alfred C. Tamm, 1882.
Treasurers. — George A. Spencer, 1834; Asa Allen appointed May,
1838; Peter Price, 1841 (bond $2,000); Isaac Reynolds, 1841; Dr.
Randolph Brearly, 1844; Jonathan Harbolt, 1845; James C. Reynolds,
1848; R. W. Sill, 1850; Jonathan P. Ritchie, 1852; William Russell,
1854; Michael A. Berkey, 1856; John E. Dale, 1858; William E. Samuel-
son appointed July, 1861 (bond $10,000); Albert Kingsbury, 1862; Jo-
seph Rothrock, 1862; Granville B. Ward, 1866; Joseph Rothrock, 1868;
Israel Nordyke, 1872; John Paris, 1876; Madison F. Didlake, 1880
(bond $100,000).
Sheriffs.— Aaron Hicks, 1834; John Wilson, 1834; James Parker, 1836;
Daniel M. Tilton appointed 1839, vice Parker, resigned; James C.
Reynolds, 1842 ; Elisha Warden, 1844 ; Robert W. Sill, 1848 ; Michael
A. Berkey, 1852 ; Henry C. Kirk, 1854 ; William Wright, 1858 ; Ma-
thew Henderson, 1860; Milton M. Sill, 1864; Mathew Henderson, 1868;
W. E. Saunderson, 1870; Enoch J. Denham, 1874; Irwin Greer, 1874 ;
James Hay, 1878 ; Joseph W. Stewart, 1882.
Auditors.— yV imam Sill, 1834; Thomas M. Thompson, 1846; J. D.
Cowdin, 1853; William Russell. 1855 (died 1856); Joseph D. Cowdin,
1856 ; Thomas Bushnell, 1861; George Uhl, 1869 ; Henry Yan Voorst,
1876.
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 41
Recorders.— WiWiam Sill, 1834 ; T. M. Thompson, 1846 ; Hugh B.
Logan, 1856 ; John S. Hurtt, 1862 ; William W. McCulloch, 1866 ;
Rufus L. Harvey, 1874.
Clerks.— WiWhm Sill, 1834 ; Ransom McConnahay, 1848 ; Orlando
McCoiinahay, 1858; Daniel D. Dale, 1800; G. W. Lawrence, 1874;
Samuel P. Cowger, 1878.
Coro7iers. — John Wilson, 1834 ; Thomas R. Dawson, 1836 ; Peter
Price, 1837 ; Jonathan Harbolt, 1840 ; George Snyder, 1844 ; George R.
Bartley, 1846; Joseph Day, 1848 ; Joseph Phillips, 1850; Richard
Worthington, 1852 ; William Parcels, 1858 ; Charles Kahler, 1862 ; Zach-
ariah Van Buskirk, 1865 ; William P. Montgomery, 1867 ; R. M.
Delzell, 1870 ; L. W. Henry, 1874 ; John Yopst, 1876 ; R. J. Clark,
1880.
Surveyors.— Asdi AWexi, 1838 ; Joshua Lindsey, 1842 ; J. Odell, 1850 ;
J. D. Cowden, 1854; William G. Hicks, 1855 ; Thomas Kennedy, 1856 ;
W. E. Saunderson, 1857 ; Alfred R. Orton, 1858 ; Milton M. Sill, 1859 ;
Nathaniel Shadbolt, 1861 ; David Mahoney, 1863 ; John Kious, 1865 ;
Edgar P. Henry, 1870; Charles Archer, 1874 ; F. J. Edwards, 1876 ;
Thomas M. Foltz, 1878 ; A. R. Orton, 1880.
School Examiners. — James Kerr, 1836 ; N". Bunnell, 1838 ; Jonathan
Harbolt, 1839; Charles W. Kendall, 1845; James Kerr, 1846; diaries
Dodge, 1848 ; Jonathan Harbolt, 1849; George D. Miller, 1856; Robert
Irwin, 1856; Joseph Baldwin, 1858: E. R. Herman, 1860; J. T. Rich-
ardson, 1861 ; George Bowman, 1861 ; William P. Koutz, 1862 ; William
Hanawalt, 1864; George Bowman, 1865; William Irelan, 1865; S. B.
Seawright, 1868; D. E. P. Henry, 1868; Rev. Gilbert Small, 1870 ;
George Bowman, first Superintendent, 1873; William Irelan, 1875;
George Bowman, 1877; William Guthrie, 1882.
Assessors. — Cornelius Clark, 1885 ; Malachi Gray, 1835 ; R. A.
Spencer, 1836 ; Isaac N. Parkes, 1837 ; Asa Allen, 1838 ; Malachi
Gray, 1839 ; Asa Allen, 1840 ; W. W. Mitchell, 1840 ; Abraham Snea-
then, 1845 ; Joseph Rothrock, 1846 ; William Orr, 1847 ; David McCon-
nahay, 1849 ; Zachariah Van Buskirk, 1850-51.
County Agents. — John Barr, 1834; William M. Kenton, 1839 ; Samuel
Rifenberrick, 1841 ; Jacob Beck, 1841 ; Samuel Rifenberrick, 1842-53.
Three Per cent. Commissioners. — Zebulon Sheets, 1834 ; Mahlon Fra-
zee, 1838 ; David Berkey, 1839 ; Mahlon Frazee, 1841 ; Zebulon Sheets,
1843-53.
Seminary Trustees. — Jonathan Harbolt, 1834-54.
Circuit Judges. — John R. Porter, 1834 ; Isaac Naylor, 1888 ; John
Wright, 1842 ; Horace P. Beddle, 1846 ; John U. Pettit, 1852 ; Charles
H. Test, 1858 ; Bernard B. Dailey, 1875 ; John H. Gould, 1876.
42 HISTOllY OF WHITE COUNTY.
Associate Judges. — James Barnes and Thomas Wilson, 1834 ; Thomas
McCormick, 1841 ; James Barnes, 1841.
Probate Judges. — Robert Newell, 1834 (died in office) ; Aaron Hicks,
1846. (In 1853 probate matters were transferred to the Common Pleas
Court).
Common Pleas Judges. — Samuel Huff, 1853 ; Gustavus Wood, 1854;
David P. Vinson, 1862 ; Alfred Reed, 1867 ; B. F. Schermerhorn, 1869.
(In 1873 the court was merged into the Circuit Court.)
Politics. — For the first few years after the county was organized, poli-
tics was in more or less of a chaotic state. Families were so isolated
and usually in such poor circumstances, that far weightier matters than
the selection of political rulers engrossed in a great measure individual
attention, and prevented any regularity of attendance at the polls. It
was also soon found that the two principal parties of that day were so
nearly equal, numerically, that any speculation ;\s to the results of an
election was like guessing at the weather of the following week. Some-
times one party triumphed and sometimes the other. Then again our
fathers (peace to their ashes!) were inveterate ' "scratchers," voting
almost invariably at local elections for the man, and not for the party.
It has been learned, though all the early election returns could not be
found, that the county soon assumed a decided Democratic tendency.
As will be seen from the table at the close of this chapter, the county,
at the Presidential election in 1836, went Whig by a majority of three.
But both before and after this election. Democratic majorities much
greater than three were frequent. It was not long ere the question of
slavery began to enter the political contests in the county, and soon there
was developed a small band of Abolitionists, too few in numbers to
render it advisable to attempt any organized action. The proceedings
in Congress, and the attitudes of the north and south, were not lost to the
earnest hearts which felt the pressure of the national disgrace. As the
years passed and the full magnitude of the evil became wretchedly ap-
parent, the political fires began to flame more fiercely, and the bitter
mutterings of wrath began to engender protracted individual animosities.
Through the decade of the '40s, especially near its close, keen and uni-
versal interest was manifested in the results of the struggle over the exten-
sion of slave territory. This interest led to very heavy returns at all the
elections. Still the Democratic majority continued to increase. The
repeal of the Missouri compromise, however, came near losing the county
to the Democracy, a result that would surely have happened had it not
been for the influence of the Democratic county newspaper, which scat-
tered over the county its pen pictures of the disgrace of " nigger equality."
The Republican party sprang into life, securing its members from the
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
43
younger, more progressive and better elements of both old parties, and
began in its youth, Theseus like, with such strength as to compel the
Democracy to put forth its utmost efforts, or submit to defeat. At last,
in 1860, when the " Irrepressible Conflict" could no longer be avoided,
the county went Republican by a fair majority, 'and continued to do so
until 1882, when the Democracy again secured the ascendency. The
hard times growing out of the war gave birth to the Greenback party,
which continues to thrive, its present county strength being about 150.
Thus is seen a panoramic view of the politics of White County since its
organization.
The following tables, which well illustrate the political aspect of the
county, were obtained after much trouble :
November. 1836.
November. 1840.
TOWNSHIPS.
DEMOCRAT.
Van Buren
and
Johnson.
WHIG.
Harrison
and
Granger.
TOWNSHIPS.
DEMOCRAT.
Van Buren
and
Johnson.
WHIG.
Harrison
and
Tyler.
53
26
12
7
8
106
66
2
1
12
38
12
48
Jackson
Monon
Big Creek
Prairie
Total
109
The remainder of the vote of 1 840 could not be found ; neither could
the vote of 1844.
November, 1848.
November, 1852.
TOWNSHIPS.
Prairie. . . .
Big Creek.
Union
Liberty . . .
Monon ....
Jackson . . .
Princeton .
West Point
Cass
Total . .
»
4
66
60
11
15
42
3
87
66
13
42
20
5
34
16
39
62
2
11
22
8
5
13
5
1
306
268
34 1
TOWNSHIPS.
Union
Big Creek.
Prairie. . . .
West Point
Princeton .
Monon . ...
Liberty . , .
Cass
Jackson. . .
Total . .
134
46
91
20
24
67
50
29
76
"636
146
04
106
12
29
42
36
13
610
44
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
November, 1856.
November, 1860.
TOWNSHIPS.
'^-■^ w^a-a 1 1 TOWNSHIPS.
]S OS
ft SPq S
^ P
Union
Big Creek . .
Prairie
West Point.
Princeton .
Monon ...
Liberty . . . .
148 124
171
22
39
82
62
45
Jackson
Honey Creek
746
64
j!
164
1
32
3 1
66
4
80
7
69
1
29
42
22
33
1
703
42
jUnion
JBig Creek... .
Prairie
West Point. . .
Princeton
Monon
Liberty
Cass
Jackson
Honey Creek
Round Grove ,
Total.
•i_.
6
dgi
i-M
5|J
^l-o^
O^oS^
i^ «
H*"* 1^
%^V
K
an
L 172
168
6
85
61
8
188
157
37
42
37
3
93
45
1
99
65
5
88
56
32
51
123
121
2
49
39
5
22
11
993
811
67
November, 1864.
November, 1868.
TOWNSHIPS.
REPUBLICAN.
Lincoln
and
Johnson.
democratic
McClellan
and
Pendleton.
TOWNSHIPS.
REPUBLICAN.
Grant
and
Colfax.
DEMOCRATIC
Seymour
and
Blair,
146
68
178
61
104
81
83
33
109
50
26
177
57
176
30
37
89
77
38
159
53
6
187
84
229
61
114
111
92
88
155
62
40
230
Big Creek
Prairie.
Big Creek
Prairie
63
230
AVest Point
Princeton
West Point
Princeton
44
62
86
Liberty
Liberty
75
Cass.
Cass. . . . .
52
165
Honey Creek
Round Grove
Honey Creek
Round Grove
Total
75
29
Total
939
898
1173
1101
November, 1872..
November, 1876
TOWN-HIPS
N
83
201
78
161
113
91
36
167
49
52
iiij
3
188
48
240
45
59
75
70
32
113
90
42
d
TOWNSHIPS.
PI
DEMOCRATIC
Tllden
and
Hendricks.
55
£ocs5
Union
1
i
'e
2
"2
1
Union .
255
96
228
102
216
115
113
55
167
86
69
270
78
262
78
89
130
101
53
185
119
85
3
Big Creek
iBig Creek
5
9
West Point
West Point
6
Princeton
Monon. .
Princeton
Monon ....
9
4
Liberty
Liberty
Cass
2
Cass.
5
Honey Creek
Round Grove
Honey Creek.
Round Grove
Total
2
Total
1200
1003
13
1502
1460
60
;?rS
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
November,
1880.
TOWNSHIPS.
REPUBOCAN.
Gariield
and
Arthur.
DEMOCRATIC.
Hancock
and
English.
INDEPENDENT.
Weaver
and
Chambers.
Union .
236
99
259
117
233
138
110
52
186
80
100
305
102
250
79
87
130
125
60
215
121
117
14
Big Creek
5
Prairie ....
11
West Point.
26
Princeton. .
27
Liberty
22
Cass . . ...
4
Jackson
8
5
2
Total
1610
1591
124
CHAPTER II.
BY WESTON A. QOODSPEED.
The County Militia — Soldiers of 1812 — The Campaign of 1846-7
— The Election of 1860 — The Fall of Fort Sumter — Treason
AT Home — The First Volunteers — Captain Reed's Company —
War Meetings— Sanitary Efforts — Continued Enlistment —
Patriotism — Summary of Important Events — Additional Com-
panies — The Draft — Number of Men Furnished — Bounty and
Relief — End of the War — Lincoln's Death — Sketches of
Regiments — The Roll of Honor — Interesting Notes.
THE old militia system which had prevailed from the organ-
ization of White County until the Rebellion of 1861-5, and which
had done such excellent service during all the Indian border wars years
before the county had any existence, was permitted to run down and
almost die out, owing to the long continued peace. It is stated that a
militia company was organized at Monticello and vicinity about the year
1840, and that for a few years annual musters were enjoyed, but no
definite information on the subject has been obtained. About the year
1852, the Legislature enacted that the militia of each Judicial District
should be thoroughly organized, and in response to this, one company
was formed at the county seat. In December, 1856, the County Com-
missioners through their agent, J. D. Cowden, Auditor of White County,
48 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
requested Governor Wright to send by rail to Reynolds Station the
quota of arms due the county under the existing law. The guns were
accordingly received and distributed to the members of the " White
County Guards." The company was required to execute a bond in the
sum of $500 that the arms would receive proper care, and be returned to
the Auditor under specified conditions. After this for some time the
musters were greatly enjoyed. These arms were in the county when
the Rebellion broke out, but were then sent to Indianapolis by order of
the Governor, under the protests of the citizens of the county, as will be'
learned farther along. No other organization of the militia was effected
until 1881, when the Independent Artillery Company was organized at
Monticello with Henry Van Voorst, Captain ; Isaac Price, First Lieu-
tenant ; E. P. Roberts, Second Lieutenant. Two pieces of ordnance
were obtained from the east at a cost of $50, both being unmounted.
War of 1812. — Quite a number of the early settlers were no doubt ex-
soldiers of the war of 1812-15, and it is possible that a few participated
in the earlier struggle for independence. The writer has learned the
name of one soldier of the war of 1812, who became a prominent citizen
of White County and was one of the first Board of Commissioners. The
following explains about all that is known of his military services.
Ira Bacon, a private in Captain Van Meter's company of Ohio Militia in the service of
the United States, has faithfully performed a six months' tour of duty, and is hereby
honorably discharged from the service at Fort Meigs this 22d day of February, 1815.
Jacob Linn, John Russell,
Sergeant, Major Ohio Militia, Commanding Ft. Meigs.
The Mexican War. — Three men only went from White County to
serve the Government in the war with Mexico. These men were William
F. Ford, LT. H. Steele, and Beveridge McCormick, all three going from
Jackson Township, and joining Captain Tipton's Company E of the
United Siates Regiment of Mounted Rifles, rendezvoused at Logansport.
The boys enlisted on the 6th of June, 1846, for a term of five years, and
were first ordered to Cincinnati, thence to St. Louis, where they were
mounted and fully equipped. Soon afterward they moved to New
Orleans, and then, in November or December, 1846, took shipping for
Point Isabel, where they arrived the 24th of December. After a short
time spent along the Rio Grande River, the regiment was shipped to Vera
Cruz, losing on the way all their horses in a heavy storm on the Gulf.
The regiment participated in the bombardment of Vera Cruz in March,
1847. After the capitulation on the 27th, the march along the great
National road toward the Mexican capital was begun. Cerro Gordo was
reached and assaulted, but here the fortune of war turned against the
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 49
White County boys. In the first day's fight William F. Ford received a
severe saber cut on the left thigh just above the knee, but the wound did
not incapacitate him from participation in the second day's fight. On
this day, however, while in the hottest of the fight, his right leg was
taken off" just above the ankle by a cannon ball, lie also received a
lance thrust through one wrist and a pistol ball through the other, be-
sides a bayonet thrust under the chin, the point coming out at his mouth,
knocking out several teeth on his lower jaw and shattering the bone.
Notwithstanding all this he is yet living at Monticello, in the enjoyment
of reasonable health. He wears a fine bronze badge cast from some old
cannon. At the battle of Cerro Gordo, the Mexican commander. Gen.
Santa Anna, was compelled to fly so hastily that he left behind his
wooden leg, besides many other valuable personal effects. Mr. Ford,
while lying wounded and almost helpless, managed to purloin an epau-
lette belonging to the uniform of Santa Anna, a portion of which he yet has
and values very highly. He draws a pension of $18 per month. McCor-
mick lost his left arm at Oerro Gordo by a ball which ranged across his
breast from right to left. The wound was so near the shoulder that it was
found necessary to remove the humerus from its socket. The poor fellow
was unequal to the emergency, and soon died from the eff'ects of the wound.
Steele was taken sick at or near Chepultepec, and finally died of a severe
attack of diarrhoea. x\mong the ex-soldiers of the Mexican War, who have
lived in the county, are the following : Roy D. Davidson, who served in a
Kentucky regiment, and was in the battle of Buena Vista ; Michael Austin,
of an Ohio regiment, who was also at the battle of Buena Vista; Thomas
Cooper, who served in the same regiment as Mr. Ford ; Mr. Conkling, a
cousin of Senator Conkling's, who served in the First Indiana Regiment;
John Wright, who fought at Buena Vista in a Kentucky regiment ; Mr.
Penny, who was also in the battle of Buena Vista ; Andrew Robinson, also
in the First Indiana and at Buena Vista.
Afterthe war with Mexico, nothing occurred to disturb the peaceful pur-
suits of the citizens. The political campaigns were bitterly fought, and
many began to intimate that the country was on the brink of dissolution or
of a great civil war. The Presidential campaign of 1856 was conducted
with a spirit unknown before in the history of the county. It was realized
that a grave responsibility rested upon the shoulders of the President, and
that to idly select men for that high position might involve the country in
disaster, from which it would never emerge. Events were anxiously
awaited.
The Campaign of 1860. — The Presidential campaign in White County
during the autumn of 1860 was of the most exciting character. Almost
4
50 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
every township had its company, or companies, of " Wide Awakes "; and
scarcely a night passed without public speaking and noisy and enthusias-
tic demonstration. The clubs of Democracy uniformed themselves with
hickory suits, erected flag poles, and flung the names of Douglas and
Johnson to the breeze. Torch-light processions and vociferous cheering
disturbed the drowsy air of night. The emblems of the Republican clubs
were " v'ails " or " mauls and wedges," and the name of " Honest Old
Abe " was shouted with a power that will carry it echoing dcwn the
coming centuries. When the returns were all in, and Lincoln's name
was on every tongue, and when the Southern States one after another
began to enact ordinances of secession, and even the air seemed
freighted with treason, all wiser heads saw that the conflict had come.
The slavery question must be settled either to the satisfaction of the
North or the South ; no evasion would answer. The Spectator and the
Democrat began a bitter discussion of the questions of slavery, State
rights, secession, etc. The Spectator said, in answer to a question from
its rival :
The Democrat wants to know if we think a State can peaceably secede. Yes, with the
consent of a majority of all the ocher parties interested. This should be given to South
Carolina. The reasons by which we arrive at such conclusion are these : Whenever our
form of government becomes burdensome to any member of the Confederacy, failing to
protect and perpetuate it in its rights of person and property, such State can no longer
respect the association, being in fact already alienated by a peculiar and inherently right-
ful, though not moral, view ; and after she has asked, as in the case of South Carolina, to
dissolve the company and mutually withdraw from the partnership, our interpretation of
the meaning and intent of the Constitution does not lead us to conclude that her appeals
should be regarded with insult, and the blessings of liberty /o?-ce«^ upon unwilling subjects
by coercion at the cos t of war, bloodshed and treason.
Many prominent Republicans throughout the county argued in a simi-
lar strain. The country had been educated to believe that the Govern-
ment Avas a mere compact, and that any State could leave the Union
when the terms of the compact were violated, or even at will ; but the
education was the result of southern artifice, the wily " fire-eaters " of the
preceding half century neglecting no care or avoiding no issue that would
instill the poison of the hateful heresy into the public heart both North
and South. Men did not fully know their own minds. A revolution in
thought on the subject of State rights, secession, slavery, etc., was ensu-
ing, and the public mind was buffeted around by every breeze of senti-
ment or fancy or even folly. Here and there arose some clear intellect,
head and shoulders above its fellows, and looked down with the impartial
eye of a philosopher upon the true and ominous state of the country.
To such men the hearts of all turned anxiously for relief. When Mr.
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 51
Lincoln took the reins of government, speedy relief from public gloom and
embarrassment was expected; but as time slipped away, and effective
action was masked by broad generalizations, and the course of the Ad-
ministration was clouded with apparent doubt and hesitancy, many of the
best Union men lost heart. The friends of disunion looked upon the
hesitancy as a practical acknowledgment that the Government could see
no way under the Constitution of a settlement of existing differences.
But when the blow at last fell upon Fort Sumter, and all pacific over-
tures from the Administration even to an avowal that no established insti-
tution of the South should be interfered with, were haughtily rejected,
the mask of peace was thrown aside, and the call to arms sent a thrill of
joy and hope to thousands of loyal hearts. In view of the darkness
which enveloped the country at subsequent stages of the war, when it
seemed certain that masses in the North would compel a cessation of hostil-
ities and permit the Southern States to go out of the Union, the tran-
scendent wisdom of Mr. Lincoln in throwing upon the South the responsi-
bility of commencing the rebellion, even in the face of the most abun-
dant promises, undoubtedly saved the country from hopeless disruption.
Opening Scenes. — In the issue of the Spectator of April 19, 1861,
was published the following letter :
Editor Spectator: — Let me call your attention to the necessity of organizing in
▼arious parts of this county eificient committees to attend to those persons who openly
declare themselves against the Government.
Yours, etc.,
The Spectator said :
The above letter was received through the postoffice several days ago. It is from a
responsible and influential farmer of this county ; and while we would not wish to encour-
age a spirit of intolerance in politics or anything else, in view of our national troubles,
we think the majority of law-abiding citizens regard expressions like the above as purely
loyal, and in many cases absolutely necessary to be complied with. * * * * A few
gentlemen about this town and throughout the county may find it wholesome to heed the
caution in Judge Test's charges [referring to the punishment for treason] and our cor-
respondent's letter. War has been levied against the Government, and " giving aid and
comfort to its enemies " consists in more than enlistinsr and fighting under the rattle-
snake banner. Revolutionary Tories were roughly dealt with for no less crime than
they are guilty of every day.
The Call to Arms. — In the same issue of the paper a call for volun-
teers was advertised by W. M. McCarty, of Shelbyville. Also the call
3f President Lincoln for 75,000 State militia to put down tlie rebellion.
There also appeared in the same issue the following :
About one hundred men, residents of this county, have enlisted in tlicir country's
52 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
defense, some of whom joined Col. R. H. Milroy's company from Rensselaer. Of these J.
G. Staley, Watson Brown, Martin Cochell, Francis Sweet, Lewis Murray, Edward NefiF,
James Stevenson and brother, went from this place. Twenty-five were from Bradford,
and twenty from Reynolds. Ihe fervent prayers of our citizens go with them.
Thus it was that within four days after the fall of Fort Sumter, and
within two days after the call of the President for 75,000 volunteers, the
county of White responded with one hundred resolute men. This excel-
lent beginning was but a specimen of the responses with which White
County honored, through all the succeeding years of war, the calls of the
Government for troops. The Spectator of April 26th, said :
PATRIOTISM IN MONTICELLO.
While the whole country is in a blaze of righteous indignation at the giant proportions
of treason, Monticello is not fnv behind her sister towns in expressing an emphatic dis-
approbation of secession madness. Already a respectable deputation of her inhabitants
has enlisted for battle, and many more are ready to march when their services are
demanded. Pursuant to the call issued by Thomas Bushnell, Auditor of this County, for
the organization of military companies to retain the United States arms in our midst, and
serve as home or reserve guards, a number of our citizens met at the court-house last
Tuesday. Ransom McConahay was chosen President, and John J. Barnes, Secretary of
the meeting. Before taking his seat, Mr. McConahay made a telling Union speech,
which v/as loudly applauded, and followed by others in like lofty strains — all resolving
to forget political differences and fight for common interests, to sink the partisan in the
patriot, and not inquire why the present war was brought about, but how to best protect
our homes, put down treason, and honorably sustain our once glorious Union. After
these mutual and hearty pledges had been given on all hands, a committee consisting of
Thomas Bushnell and Lucius Pierce was delegated to report an article or oath to be
signed by all who wished to form themselves into a reserve guard, and drill preparatory
toany call the emergency of public safety may render necessary. This being submitted
and adopted, some thirty men, old and young, subscribed their names to it before the meet-
ing adjourned. John C. Brown and Daniel D. Dale were appointed another committee to
wait on our citizens and solicit signers to said document. The meeting then adjourned to
assemble again that night, when there was a much better turn-out. Peter S. Rader was
called to the chair, and Oliver S. Dale made Secretary. At this meeting several patriotic
speeches were offered, and after considerable debate as to the propriety of organizing for
immediate action and proffering the services of a picked company to the Governor, or as
had been determined at the first meeting, the latter course was agreed to. The company
then adjourned till the next (Wednesday) evening, when the organization was perfected
by the adoption of a constitution and the election of the following officers : Alfred Reed,
Captain; J. C. Brown, First Lieutenant; p. D. Dale, Second Lieutenant. Last night the
company had another meeting and adopted by-laws for their government. We under-
stand they are to be regularly uniformed and commence drilling in a few days. It is very
desirable this organization, and as many more as can be set on foot, should be kept
un. Such companies are greatly nee led to fit our men for service, and since the quota of
volunteers called for by the President has been more than complied with, they pre-
sent the only capacity left us through which to act wisely as soldiers for the defense
of the Stars and Stripes. Let all who can possibly join, or help those who do patron-
ize it.
The First Sacrifice. — It was stated in this issue that, while Captain
HISTORY OF WHITE COUXTY. 53
Milroy's company was en route for Indianapolis, a young man named
John Brown, a grandson of Gen. Simon Kenton, and a resident of White
County, who had been one of the very first to enlist, was accidentally
killed by the cars at Clark's Hill. The corpse was brought back and
buried near Miller Kenton's residence, three miles west of Monticello.
This was the first sacrifice offered by the county for the suppression of the
slave-holders' rebellion. In this issue were also interesting letters from
two of the White County boys, who signed themselves "Jeems" and "W.
S." They stated that all the boys from this county could not stay in Cap-
tain Milroy's Company, which was full to overflowing, and that all the
Monticello boys had been transferred to the company of Captain Charles
Smith. The boys were reported in excellent spirits, their bill of fare
being bread, meat, potatoes, and beans. This issue of the paper (April
26th) contained the following :
UNION MEETING AT NORWAY.
At a Union meeting, held at the school-house in Norway, April 24, 1861, R, L. Harvey
was called to the chair, and .Tames A. McConahay elected Secretary. R. McConahay, F,
G. Kendall, and William Orr were appointed a committee to draft, resolutions expressive
of the sentiments of the meeting. A series often resolutions was adopted, two of them
being as follows:
Resolved, That we, the citizens of Norway, do most heartily respond to the call of the
President for the purpose above specified, and no other (for enforcing the laws, not for
conquest or invasion — Ed.); and we pledge him our support and countenance in the ex-
ecution of all his constitutional duties.
Resolved, Thar, as the patriotic ladies of our village have thi< day in onr presence
hoisted the flag of our common country, we hei'eby pledge to them our lives, our fortunes
and our sacred honor, that no foeman's hand shall drag it down if in our power to
prevent him.
Short and patriotic speeches were delivered by F. G. Kendall, Dr. R. Spencer, R. Mc-
Conahay, A. Dike, Aaron Fleming, VV. H. Parcels and .James Graham. The meeting
(hen adjourned to meet on the 4th of May, at early candle lighting, for the purpose of
organizing a military company. All are invited to attend.
R. L. Harvey, P/esident.
James A. McConahay, Secretary.
The citizens of Norway and vicinity had erected a huge ash polo, and
a fine banner which had been made by the ladies was run up amid a storm
of cheers from the assembled crowd. Afterward eloquent speeches were
delivered by prominent citizens present. Much loyalty was manifested
at Norway. James H. Douglass had three sons who enlisted at the first
call to arms. Other men who went out in the three months' service, in
addition to those already named, Avcre Abram Wickersham, John Kellen-
barger, Mr. Snyder, John Arick and James Hess.
In the issue of the Spectator., May 3d, it was stated that the company
formed at Monticello (Monticello Rifles) held a meeting, and voted to
54 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
offer its services to the State. This was done, and the company continued
vigorously drilling, to be in readiness when called out. A large Union
meeting was held at Hanna Station on the 25th of April. The principal
speaker was Thomas Callahan, a "Douglas Democrat," who delivered a
very long, eloquent address, reviewing the political situation, and urging
upon all, wi4;hout regard to party lines or prejudices, the necessity of sup-
porting the administration of Mr. Lincoln. At the conclusion of his
speech three rousing cheers were given for the Union, and three more for
the Stars and Stripes. Captain Herman, of the Union Home Guards, of
Burnettsville, was present, and secured some twenty volunteers. Ladies
were present, who fully appreciated the ominous state of affairs, and whose
loyalty was as pronounced and emphatic as that of their husbands, brothers
or sbns. The occasion was enlivened with splendid singing, and the
stirring notes of fife and drum. On the 9th of May the Monticello Rifles
learned that their services would not be required, and an order came from
the Governor to forward immediately the guns in their possession. The
members felt so indignant over the matter that they passed a series of
resolutions regretting the non-acceptance of the company. Two of the
resolutions were as follows:
Resolved, That White County feels that her interest in the preservation of the Union
and the honor of the Stars and Stripes is equal to that of any other county in the State
or United States, and she should have the opportunity of manifesting it on the field
of battle.
Resolved, That we will still maintain our organization and keep alive the tendei of our
services to the State at any time they may be required.
Those resolutions were a true index to the determined loyalty prevail
incf in the county. Here were men angry because their services could
not be accepted, and in the face of a positive refusal to accept them they
determined to maintain their organization in the hope that eventually
they might be permitted to avenge the insult to the flag. It is no won-
der that White County, with such men, became one of the fifteen coun-
ties in the State to clear herself from the draft of October, 1862, by vol-
untary enlistments. It is a pleasure to put the record of such a county
in permanent form. And this state of things did not end as soon as
the novelty of going to war had worn off. It continued unabated until
Appomattox was reached, and the gallant armies came trooping home
amid the plaudits of their fellow citizens and the glories of hard-earned
victories on hundreds of bloody fields.
Loyalty. — About this time the ministers of Monticello began to preach
war sermons. Rev. William P. Koutz was the first, preaching from the
subject, " The National Crisis, and Our Duties as Christians and Pa-
triots." Others followed his example. It seems, also, that Monticello
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 55
was just working itself into a fever of loyal enthusiasm, and was destined
to have another revival of intense interest in war matters as was had
when the news was received that Sumter had fallen, only on a larger
scale. Handbills were published and circulated that a Union meeting
would beheld at the court house Tuesday evening, May 14th. On that
occasion Major Levi Reynolds was called to the chair, and Thomas D.
Crow was made Secretary. The President announced that the object of
the meeting was to take into consideration the state of the Union, and
made an eloquent speech, deploring the fact that party lines were still
drawn, and declaring that there should be but one party when the country,
was in peril. Great enthusiasm prevailed, and the following gentlemen
were called out and spoke amid loud acclamations and thundering cheers :
R. W. Sill, W. A. Parry, G. O. Behm, Thomas Bushnell, D. M. Tilton,
James Wallace and others. J. C. Brown moved that a committee of
five be appointed to consider the propriety of organizing a vigilance
committee at Monticello, which motion, after some discussion, was carried,
whereupon the following persons were appointed such committee : James
Wallace, J. C. Brown, A. Reed, Dr. W. S. Raymond and Zebulon
Sheetz. The following resolution was then read, vociferously cheered,
and passed with vigorous unanimity :
Resolved unanimously hij the People of Mnntieello and vicinity now assembled in the court
room to consider the state of the Union, That we send our fraternal greeting and the ex-
pression of our warmest sympathies to our brethren now in the field engaged in main-
taining the honor of our national standard and the integrity of our American Union ;
and that we express ourselves as ready to follow the glorious example of our Revolution-
ary fathers, and for the defense of the institutions they founded to "pledge our lives,
our fortunes and our sacred honor."
Thomas D. Crow,
David Turpik.
The First Aid to Soldiers. — Thomas Bushnell reported that a subscrip-
tion was being raised to furuish the White County boys in the field with
necessary blankets, oil-cloth capes, clothing, etc. This was the first
movement in the county to aid the soldiers, and undoubtedly one of the
very first in the State. The meeting for the organization of a vigilance
committee was held, but a division as to the propriety of such a move-
ment occurred, not owing to a lack of loyalty, but to quiet the fears of
possible public disturbance at home, and as a precautionary measure
against unforeseen disaster to society. Levi Reynolds, Thomas Bush-
nell and T. D. Crow objected to the movement, while James Wallace,
J. C. Brown and many others favored it. The mass of people present
were so thoroughly in earnest, however, and determined to permit no oppor-
tunity of general safety to pass unheeded, that the measure passed by a
56 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
large majority in a standing vote. Scarcely anything was done, however,
to carry out the measure, as new questions arose that required constant
attention and energy. Another large war meeting was announced for
Saturday night, May 18th, Judge Turpie being announced as principal
The Spectator of May 17th, said :
During the past week the citizens of Monticello have been doing a work of love and
patriotism that will not only distinguish the place, but be a source of pleasant remem-
brance in all time to come. The men and boys contributed money and material and the
women and girls have been busily engaged in making shirts, blankets, cakes, etc., for
the volunteers from this county now at Camp Morton. Some fifty flannel shirts and two
boxes of nice provisions are the result of this labor, which were sent to Indianapolis
yesterday morning. This donation will do an immense amount of good, not because the
luxuries are greater than camp-life affords, nor the comforts needed, but because they
are from the hands and hearts of dear friends who appreciate the sacrifices their noble
sons are ofl'ering for the cause of freedom.
It has been the pleasure of the writer of this chapter for several years
past to critically review the military history of some twelve counties in
Indiana and Ohio ; but in all such experience not a county was found to
equal White in the intensity and activity of loyal work from the begin-
ning to the end of the war. No act in the past can be pointed to with
greater pride than this. Too great praise can not be given, in view of
the obstacles overcome and the sacrifices made.
Wai' Meetings. — On the 18th of May another rousing meeting was
held at the court house with Levi Reynolds, President, Zebulon Sheets
and D. D. Dale, Vice Presidents, and James Spencer and J. W. Mc-
Ewen, Secretaries. W. S. Haymond, Lucius Pierce, F. G. Kendall,
Thomas Bushnell and Orlando McConahay were appointed a Commit-
tee to draft resolutions. In a few minutes the committee reported a se-
ries of twelve, which was adopted amid rounds of cheers, and ordered
printed in the county newspapers. Messrs. Turpie, Belford and Hay-
mond, in turn, then addressed the audience. This was, in fact, a Demo-
cratic Union meeting, the event passing harmoniously, with strong
denunciations of the rebellion, and earnest declarations to maintain the
Government. Other meetings were held in almost every township, but
no record was kept of the proceedings. The excitement continued
through the month of June, the numerous letters received from the field
serving to fan the flames to a white heat. It was decided to have an
enthusiastic demonstration at Monticello on the fourth of July. Several
thousand people assembled at the grove about a half a mile north of town,
and were called to order by the President of the day. Sevei'al of the
citizens addressed the multitude, after which dinner was served under the
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 57
shade of the trees. After enjoying the repast, the following men re-
sponded to toasts : W. S. Haymond, David Turpie, J. B. Belford, E,
Hughes, James Wallace, G. W. Pickrell, W. P. Koutz, J. C. Brown,
Dr. Wilson, G. W. Spencer, A. R. Orton, D. M. Tilton, B. S. Smith,
John Reynolds, Levi Reynolds, William Wright, Rowland Hughes,
George Inman, A. W. Reynolds, L. Butler and J. W. Elliott. It was a
most enjoyable day. The evening was made brilliant with bonfires,
rockets, firecrackers, and deafening cheers.
The First Company. — It was about this time that word was received
from Gov. Morton that the " Monticello Rifles " had been accepted and
would move to Camp Tippecanoe, Lafayette, on the 5th of July. This
created intense enthusiasm. The Spectator of Friday, July 12th, said :
DEPARTURE OF CAPTAIN RBED's COMPANY !
AVHITE COUNTY REDEEMED !
The most interesting scene since the opening of the war, so far as relates to our town
and county, occurred in this place the first of the present week. On Tuesday the glad
news came that Captain Reed's company, which was being organized in our midst, had
been accepted and would march next day to Camp Tippecanoe, taking position in Col.
Bj'own's regiment. It was immediately announced that there would be a farewell meet-
ing at the court house in the evening. The parents and friends of the volunteers flocked
out until the house was crowded. Proceedings were opened with prayer and music.
Then followed speeches of lofty patriotism, fervent hope and kind advice. * * * *
After the company had formed in line and everybody had shaken hands with the brave
boys and bid them good-bye, the meeting adjourned to assemble next morning at the
r.iilroad, where a nice flag was presented the company, Rev. Mr. Smith making the
siieech, and more farewells wei-e said.
About the middle of August, tlie boys who had loft the county for the
three months service returned. They had been delayed at Indianapolis
in getting their pay, but when they came at last, hundreds of all se.xes
and ages assembled at the depot to receive them. As the train came in,
and the boys in tattered uniforms, empty sleeves or horrid scars, stepped
upon the platform, they were welcomed with the wildest demonstrations
of joy. Mothers, wives, sweethearts, sisters, fathers and brothers — all
were there to look again into the eyes of their loved ones, to hear the old
tones, and to feel once more the warm pressure of loving hands. The
brave boys Avere escorted to the residence of Captain Reed, whose lady
and others had prepared an ample repast of the most tempting delicacies.
Ah, how sweet and nice everything was, how the joke went round, how
the flashes of merriment set the table in a roar, how the husli of sorrow
fell upon all at the mention of names of boys — sons, brothers, husbands
— lying in southern graves ! Not satisfied that they had done enough
58 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
for the boys, the citizens gave them another elegant supper the following
night at the residence of Peter Price.
Subsequent Enlistments. — Immediately after this, J. Gr. Staley and
Watson Brown opened an enlistment office, and called for volunteers.
They were greatly aided by Rev. Thomas Callahan and other citizens,
who traversed the county, holding war meetings, and receiving the names
of volunteers. During the latter part of September and the first of Oc-
tober Dr. William Spencer, Eli R. Herman, Henry Snyder and others
enlisted an entire company in the county. The first part of October the
company, though not quite full, was ordered to Logansport. Before
starting the boys listened to a farewell address from the court house steps
by T. D. CroAv, Esq., to which Captain Spencer replied. Good-byes
were spoken, and the company was gone. This was the 15th of October.
The Spectator of October ISth, said :
Now for Captain R. W. Sill's company ! Let it be filled up immediately, and cursed
be the craven-hearted cur that oifers opposition to it* It is a double duty we owe to
Mr. Sill and our bleeding country to help the matter on. Let's do it like men. *
Flag and Sword Presentation. — Much of Captain Sill's company was
enlisted while Spencer's was being organized. Mr. Sill, Joseph D. Cowdin,
John M. Berkey and others were especially active in securing volunteers.
The work rapidly continued, and finally the 21st of November was set
for the departure of the company. A splendid dinner had been prepared
at the house of J. C. Reynold's by the sisters of Captain Sill and the
ladies of Monticello, and for two hours the feast continued, the company
and others to the number of over three hundred enjoying the tempting
viands. At two o'clock p. m. a large delegation packed the court house
to Avitness the ceremonies of flag and sword presentation. Levi Reynolds
was made President, and after the house had been called to order, a group
of ladies entered the. door bearing a magnificent silk banner. The house
thundered at the sight, and when order was restored, Miss Ophelia H.
Reynolds presented the flag to the company in a most eloquent address.
Captain Sill briefly replied. The "Star Spangled Banner" was sung
with great effect, after which Col. Fitch, of the 46th Regiment, entertained
the audience in a speech two hours in length. At the conclusion of his
speech, Judge Turpie, on behalf of the ladies of Reynolds and Honey
Creek ToAvnship, presented Captain Sill with an elegant sword. The
Captain again responded and the audience then listened to an eloquent
speech from Mr. DeHart. The ceremonies were over, and the boys
mai'ched away, followed by loving words and tears of sincerest sorrow.
* The italics are those of the editor of the newspaper, and are comparative, indicating that opposi-
tion had been encountered in enlisting the company of Captain Spencer.
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. /)9
Continued Efforts. — During the colder months of 1861-2, the enlist-
ment of men was almost at a standstill. Letters from the boys of Cap-
tain Reed's company of the 20th, Captain Spencer's company of the
46th, and Captain Sill's company of the 46th, and from the 9th, 1.5th
and other regiments, were published in every issue of the two county
papers. News of the death of some boy was received every few days.
Many a house *was draped with crape, and many a family overwhelmed
with keenest sorrow, when the news was received that some loved one
had given his life to his country. In March, 1862, Sergeant W. H. H.
Rader and others appeared and began to enlist recruits for Captain Sill's
company. At the same time Lieutenant Benney and others recruited
for the 9th regiment. On the 29th of March, the citizens of Reynolds
presented a fine sword, publicly, to Captain M. F. .Johnson. Dr. Alden
called the meeting to order, and J. C. Suit, Esq., delivered the presenta-
tion speech, which was replied to by Captain Johnson. Johnson Gregory
followed in a short speech, at the conclusion of which Mr. Suit " coming
forward held the audience enchained with words of burning eloquence
and patriotism in a speech of an hour and a half." A very hopeful feel-
ing seemed to pervade the county at this time, for the Herald of April
11th said :
Three short months ago, if any one had hazarded the assertion that our flag would
float in triumph in every State in the Union, and the rebels would be completely sub-
dued before the first of May, he would have been considered a mad enthusiast. Now,
who doubts but that in the next twenty days every fortification in the rebellious States
will h ave been taken, and the stars and stripes wave defiantly in the face of treason.
The full magnitude of the rebellion was not yet comprehended. Early
in 1862, when the Republican newspapers throughout the north were
severely criticising the dilatory policy of Gen. McClellan, and when
many of them openly declared in favor of a belief that he was at heart a
traitor and was shuffling his cards for the benefit of the South, Milton
M. Sill, editor of the Monticello Herald, appeared in an editorial, insist-
ing that McClellan was an incompetent, was sacrificing the Army of the
Potomac and perhaps the Union cause, and should be displaced and an
officer appointed who could successfully oppose the array of Northern
Virginia under Gen. Lee. Within ten days after this article appeared,
about thirty prominent citizens of the county — Democrats and Republi-
cans — called at the Herald office and ordered their papers discontinued.
The Democrats were very irritable on the subject of McClellan's in-
competency, and many Republicans were satisfied that he was doing
about all that a man in his place could do.
Additional Volunteers. — During the early months of 1862, Captain
60 HISTORY OF WHITE COTTNTY.
M. F. Johnson, Lieutenant Joseph W. Davis, and others enlisted about
two thirds of a company, which afterward became D of the 63d Regiment.
In August Captain John Holloway, Lieutenant George W. Jewett, Lieu-
tenant Aden Nordyke and others enlisted Company G of the 63d. During
this period — from January to August — more than two hundred men left
the county, about one hundred and fifty entering the 63d, and the re-
mainder going as recruits into the 9th, 20th, 46th and other regiments.
A few entered the 72d and 73d, and a few the 86th. The enlistment
during July and August was especially active. About twenty men of
Company H of the 87th were from White. In August Captain Sidney
W. Sea and others enlisted about one half of Company K of the 90th
(Fifth Cavalry). These men were obtained mostly from the western part
of the county. At the same time Brookston and vicinity came forward
with a full company enlisted mostly by Captain George H. Gwinn, Lieu-
tenant Andrew Cochran, Lieutenant G. S. Walker and others. This ex-
cellent company entered the 99th regiment .
Bowman's Company. — In June, 1862, White County had more than
one fourth of her voting population in the field. In July Geor^^e Bow-
man was authorized to raise a company for the 12th regiment, which was
being reorganized. War meetings were held during July in various
portions of the county, and fiery speeches were made to kindle the love
of country, and induce men to append their names to the fatal enlistment
roll. An enthusiastic war meeting was held at Idaville on the 26th of
July, on which occasion Belford, Callahan and Wallace, loyal Democrats,
delivered patriotic addresses, and urged all men, without regard to party,
to stand by the Union. A rousing meeting was also held at Monticello.
On the same day of the meeting at Idaville, two meetings were held in
Liberty Township, where eight volunteers joined Captain Bowman's
company. Early in August the company received marching orders.
On the 5th of August the boys were given a picnic dinner at Norway,
on which occasion C. J. L. Foster and others spoke to the large crowd
that had assembled to bid the boys good-bye. Essays were read by Miss
Arnold and others; and patriotic toasts were responded to amid the en-
thusiastic cheers of the populace and the shrill rattle of fife and drum. -
The following officers had been chosen on the 1st of August : George
Bowman, Captain; J. A. Blackwell, First Lieutenant; Benjamin Price,
Second Lieutenant. On the same day a large meeting was held. Rev.
J. W. T. McMullen delivering the oration. One hundred dollars were
raised in a few minutes for the families of the boys who were on the eve-
of departure for the uncertainties of the field of war. On the ^th, at the
conclusion of the picnic at Norway, the company started for Indianapolis,
followed by the sorrowing farewells of friends. In less than two weeka
HISTORY OF WHITE (.T)UNTY. 61
the company, with its regiment, the 12th, marched out in battle array on
the field of Richmond, Ky,, fought gallantly, was captured, paroled, and
scattered, and many of its bravest boys were consigned to soldiers'
graves.
The Fourth of July, 18G2.— The Fourth of July, 1862, was celebrated
at three different places in the county, one being Monticello. A vast
crowd assembled to enjoy the occasion. Gaily decorated processions in
wagons and on horseback came to town from all points of the compass,
carrying banners and loyal mottoes, and following a band of stirring
martial music. The indispensable and omnipresent small boy was pres-
ent en masse, strutting proudly around in suits of soldiers' blue which
had been hurriedly prepared for the occasion by the fond mother, and
filling the air with confusion and discordant noises. Wagon loads of
young ladies dressed in white, with gay ribbons of red and blue and
bi'ight garlands of summer flowers, passed through the thronging streets
of the county seat. The vast procession was formed at the court house
and marched out to the fair ground where the ceremonies of the national
day were to be held. Rev. McMasters, D. D., opened the occasion with
pi-ayer ; John Shultz read that wonderful document, the Declaration of
Independence; and Hon. Charles H. Test delivered an oration of unusual
power and eloquence. The following toasts were responded to : " Tiie
Union " by George Bowman ; " Our Country " by C. J. L. Foster ; " The
Great Rebellion," by Rev. Thomas Callahan. The occasion was enlivened
with vocal patriotic music sung by sweet-voiced quartets. Soldiers in
full uniform were present, and were the center of all eyes and the heroes
of the occasion. After the tumult of the day the crowd dispersed to their
homes.
County Conventions. — The county conventions of the two partfes in 1862
were well attended and enthusiastic. The Democratic platform favored
a continuance of the war to maintain the Union. One plank of the Re-
publican platform was as follows:
Resolved, That who seeks in any way to embarrass and cripple the power of the Pres-
' ident and the army, is an enemy of his country, and merits the unconditional con-
demnation of all his fellow citizens.
The Draft of 1862. — After the departure of Captain Bowman's com-
pany, it was found that the county was not wholly free from the ap-
proaching draft of September 15th, and measures were immediately in-
stituted to fill the required quota. Lieutenant J. W. Berkey opened a
recruiting office, as did, also, others. One of the largest war meetings
held during the rebellion assembled at the court house on the 11th of
August to raise volunteers. It was advertised that Colfax and Col.
62
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
Hathaway would be present, and this brought out a vast crowd; but these
distinguished men were unable to attend, and home talent was called
upon. The following statement of county affairs was made out about
the 1st of September :
Townships.
.2
3
2
1
1
1
.s
il
Is
>
^1
Prairie
275
106
216
127
120
175
95
60
74
65
27
137
41
139
64
52
85
95
42
55
27
15
42
22
49
25
20
41
18
10
17
13
1
10
5
2
3
136
39
128
55
44
81
91
36
52
24
14
233
Big Creek
84
Union
157
102
Liberty
100
Jackson
120
Princeton
75
West Point
60
57
Cass
46
Round Grove ....
26
Total
1337
751
258
20
700
1059
Sergeant Henry Billings began raising recruits for Company E of the
46th, about the middle of September. War meetings were held at every
town and at almost every schoolhouse. The exertions of the citizens
saved the county from the draft of October 6th, White being one of the
only fifteen counties in the State to accomplish this result. The draft
had been fixed for the 15th of September, but at the last moment, to give
every township abundant opportunity, it was postponed to October 6th.
The county was justly proud of its activity and loyalty. In October
the following appeared in the county paper :
A HUSBAND WANTED.
I, the undersigned, a girl about twenty years of age, good-looking, dark hair, blue
eyes, of good moral character and will make a good wife, wish to marry a man, hand-
some, industrious, a good Union man and a soldier if possible. Address Miss A. W.,
Seaiield, White County, Indiana.
The matrimonial opportunity of soldiers at this time seems to have
been without a cloud. It is stated by those who ought to know that
Miss A. W. found the man she wanted. But the war still continued —
down south.
War Meetings. — In February, 1863, a large Union meeting was held
at Monticello to consider the state of the country. Rev. Thomas Calla-
60
z
D CO
IS
#1
CO
z:
a:
QQ
D
•3
THE WEW YOM '
PUBLIC LIBUKY
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 65
han was president, and Milton M. Sill, Secretary. J. B. Belford, Van
McCulloch, William Orr, John Roberts and Thomas Wiley reported a
long series of patriotic resolutions, which was adopted. Callahan and
Belford delivered speeches. A little later a Democratic meeting was
held in Liberty Township " to devise means to prevent illegal arrests."
Nothing serious was enacted. In June, the following enrollment was
made, which included all of suitable age, sound and unsound : Prairie,
278; Big Creek, 97; Union, 194; Monon, 119: Liberty, 113; Jackson,
168; Princeton, 98; West Point, 72; Honey Creek, 68; Cass, 56 ;
Round Grove, 28; total, 1,291.
The Fourth of July, 1863. — One of the largest assemblages ever in
Monticello met on the Fourth of July, 1863. At an early hour the pro-
cessions began to arrive, coming from the country in clouds of dust, and
headed by martial bands. Tiie train brought a vast delegation from the
eastern part of the county. About 9:30 o'clock in the morning Orlando
McConahay, Marshal of the day, began to unite the scattered fragments
into one grand procession which marched through the principal street
amid the wildest enthusiasm. Monticello had never before witnessed a
pageant so brilliant and imposing. The clarion voice of the fife rang out
above the deep roll of the drum and the heavier thunders of anvil and
cannon ; and the wild waves of huzzahs that swept over the ocean of up-
turned faces and the hundreds of flaunting banners and decorations,
fired the soul of the dullest with the flames of patriotism. This gay
cavalcade marched to the beautiful grove of Lucien Pierce about half a
mile north of town, where the ceremonies of the day were to be enjoyed.
F. G. Kendall, President of the day, called the assembled citizens to
order, and Rev. Mr. Kerr uttered a fervent prayer. " America " was
sung by all with great power. Daniel D. Dale read the Declaration of
Independence, after which a splendid picnic dinner was spread out and
eaten with (possibly) patriotic appetite. Toasts : " The Day we Celebrate"
by Ellis Hughes, Esq.; " The Signers of the Declaration of Independence "
by Thomas Bushnell, Esq.; " Our Country " by Dr. W. S. Haymond ;
" The Press " by Captain Alfred Reed ; " The Army " by Rev. Thomas
Callahan; "Peace" by Hon. David Turpie. A bevy of sweet-faced
Jittle girls, dressed in national colors, and crowned with wreaths of roses
and evergreen, sang a beautiful song ; and their childish voices rang out
on the cool air of the grove like the melody of the nightingale. In-
dividuals were present with butternut breastpins fastened to their coats
with ribbon. Some found it difficult to work the following day, owing
to black eyes and sore heads. The day was greatly enjoyed.
On the evening of the Fourth the news was received of the surrender
of Vicksburg. Monticello could scarcely contain herself. The citizens
5
66 * HiSTOHY OF WHITE COUNTY.
gathered at the court house to mingle rejoicings. A huge bonfire of
barrels and boxes was lighted on the street, bells were rung, guns and
anvils were fired, speeches were made, and fire crackers and shouts filled
the air with noise. Many of the country folk remained to enjoy the
spectacle. A few men went around with long faces, wanting to bet (the
drinks) that Vicksburg was not "took." They were "took" up imme-
diately by loyal, though convivial, neighbors. The long-faced individuals
were out a few dollars when the official returns were in.
Reneived Efforts — Soon after this, news of John Morgan's raid was
received, and a company of forty men was formed in a few hours by 0.
McConahay and others, and its service to repel the invader was tendered
the Governor, but word was received that it was not wanted. It was
about this time, also, that considerable disloyalty began to be publicly
manifested in the county. Two men in the northern part had a serious
altercation about butternuts. Several young men in the western part
were involved in a savage fight. The aggressors were fined before a
Justice of the Peace. Sometimes ladies attempted to settle disputes of
a political nature by an appeal to arms. Witnesses of the encounters
solemnly testify that the aff"rays were the most terrific ever recorded in
the annals of war ; gowns were torn to ribbons, piercing " yells " more
horrid than those of rebels rent the air, and mysterious articles of apparel
were strewn in profusion upon the ground. These items more properly
belong to profane history, possibly.
Another Company.-^ — Under the call of June 15, 1863, for 100,000
six months' men, Captain Elijah C. Davis and Lieutenants Joseph W.
Davis and Isaac H. Jackson enlisted a full comp.my in the county and
entered the 116th Regiment, the date of muster being August 17th.
The company was K, and served until mustered out the following Feb-
ruary. Under the call of October 17, 1863, for 300,000 men for three
years, the county quota was 106. Immediate efforts were begun to raise
the men. Captain D. M. Graves, of Newton County, appeared, and
called for recruits for the Twelfth Cavalry. He had rousing meetings at
Monticello, Brookston, and elsewhere. Lt. William C. Kent opened an
enlistment office for the 128th Regiment. The papers at that time pub-
lished very flattering off"ers of bounty to both veterans and new recruits
—to the former $410, and to the latter $380, per annum. The exten-
sive and enthusiastic efforts soon freed the county. Many entered the
old regiments. About half of Company I of the 126th was from White
County, as was also about one third of Company F of the 127th (Twelfth
Cavalry), and one half of Company K of the same. Among the recruit-
ing officers during the months of November and December, 1863, and
January, 1864, were D. M. Graves, Henry H. Graves, B. 0. Wilkinson,
HISTORY OP WHITE COUNTY. 67
W. C. Marshall, and others. In December, 1863, a large war meeting
at Brookston was presided over by Benjamin Lucas, President, and W. B.
Chapman, Secretary. Judge Turpie delivered the oration.
Military Committees. — To more readily meet the call of October, 1863,
the following township recruiting committees were appointed: Prairie —
Thomas B. Davis, Dr. John Mcdaris, and E. P. Mason ; Big Creek —
George R. Spencer, J. 11. Jefferson, and Clinton Crose ; Monon — J. L.
Watson, Dr. J. T. Richardson, and W. G. Porter; Liberty — Thomas
Wickersham, H. G. Bliss, and George Cullen ; Jackson — E. R. Herman,
Andrew Hanna, and D. McConahay; Princeton — J. B. Bunnell, David
Wright, and B. C. Johnson ; West Point— C. H. Test, 0. P. Murphey,
and David Delinger; Cass — E. P. Potter, W. 0. Hopkinson and Hanni-
bal McCloud ; Honey Creek — Frank Howard, J. S. Vinson, and Nicholas
Young ; Round Grove — A. Ward, Stewart Rariden, and Patrick Carroll.
The county recruiting committee were Ransom McConahay, James Wal-
lace, Mathew Henderson, Lucius Pierce, and Thomas Bushnell. These
committees were selected on the 7th of November, 1863, at a large war
meeting held at Monticello, upon which occasion Col. Anderson, Com-
mandant of the 9th District, addressed the audience for an hour and a
half
Recruits. — Through the winter months and on into the spring of 1864,
the enlistment for Company F of the 128th Regiment continued. This
company was enlisted mostly by Captain James G. Staley, Lieutenants
W. C. Kent and Henry G. Bliss. The Regiment (128th) rendezvoused
at Michigan City. Captain Staley's company was full about the middle
of March, 1864. While yet at Camp Anderson, Michigan City, the
members of his company purchased a fine sword which was formally pre-
sented to Captain Staley by the regimental chaplain. Rev. William P.
Kountz, of Monticello. Brave Captain Staley was afterward shot dead
at Franklin, Tenn., while at the head of his company repelling a fierce
assault from the enemy.
The heavy calls of February and March, 1864, and finally the call of
July 18th for 500,000 men for one, two, and three years, somewluit
staggered the county ; but the citizens began to make earnest efforts to
meet the demand. A most hopeful feeling prevailed at this time, as it
was already apparent that the rebellion was wavering before the final fall.
About one half of Company B of the 142d went from Idaville during the
month of September, 1864, Captain James Thomas and Lieutenants R.
H. Cary and R. W. Clary enlisting the men. About twenty-five men
from the county entered Company II of the same regiment. About
fifteen recruits entered Company C of the 42d in October. Some fifty
recruits joined Company G of the 68d during the summer months of
68
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
1864. Late in 1864 and early in 1865 about fifty recruits joined Com-
pany F of the 128th, Among the recruiting officers in the county during
the latter part of 1864 was M. F. Smith.
The Draft. — As stated above the county was successful in escaping the
draft of October, 1862. As time passed on, however, and subsequent
heavy calls were made, the county, having largely expended her strength,
began to find it difficult to meet the demands. Committees were formed
in all portions of the county to solicit volunteers and to pay out local
bounty raised for the purpose by special levies. Enthusiastic war meet-
ings were held everywhere, silver-tongued orators were engaged to appeal
to the manhood and patriotism of the citizens, and beautiful Avoraen were
sent around with the enlistment roll to assault the citadel of the heart.
The county was successful with her tenders of money, the appeals of her
orators and the flattery of her women, until the autumn of 1864, when it
was found that the draft must be sustained. The calls of February,
March, April and July, 1864, for an aggregate of nearly one million
men, placed a burden upon the county which could not be met by volun-
tary enlistment. The county quota of February, 1864, with some defi-
ciency was, 210, of March, 84, and of July, 237, or a total of 531. The
county struggled for this large number amid disloyalty and various dis-
couragements, until at last, just after the draft, the following exhibit was
prepared :
Townships.
11 1
Si
3
1'
1
c
>
1
ft
XT ^
o
o
is
l5
i
1
1
32
11
19
9
20
16
12
4
14
28
45
13
4
7
4
8
6
5
2
6
11
18
36
12
19
9
20
19
15
4
18
31
54
81
27
45
22
48
41
32
10
38
70
117
50
15
27
18
33
41
19
9
21
42
106
6
3
7
2
4
1
..
'i
13
6
8
1
3
io
"6
9
61
18
42
16
40
42
29
9
28
64
112
13
1
9
1
4
4
9
5
38
3
"i
12
5
'2
45
17
32
15
36
26
15
4
21
55
74
00
Honey Creek , ,
9
Liberty
3
Cass '
6
Monon
8
Princeton*
West Point
8
Round Grove
1
Big Creek
10
Jackson
6
5
Total
210
84
237
521
376
43
42
461
98
23
340
71
The draft took place in October, 1864, at Michigan City under K. G.
Princeton furnished a surplus of one man.
HISTORY OF WHITE COIJNIY.
69
Shryock, Provost Marshal; Jaraes B. Bi^lfonl, Cominissioner ; and
Daniel Dayton, Surgeon. The following draft was made in White
County with an equal number of alternates from each township: Union,
32 ; Big Creek, 17 ; Cass, 7 ; Liberty, 14 ; Monon, 17 ; Honey Creek, 11 ;
Princeton, 15 ; and in two other townships, the number of men not being
ascertainable. Even while the draft was going on, and for a time after-
ward, the townships were given an opportunity to free themselves by
voluntary enlistments. This they embraced, but to what extent is indef-
inite. The number of drafted men that reported is shown in the above
exhibit. But the county was yet behind and a " supplementary " draft
took place, though the details can not be given. Men continued to en-
list in response to generous offers of bounty. Many left the county to
enlist, as much greater bounty was offered in the larger cities south and
east. Such men were credited, of course, to the localities paying the
bounty, and were thus lost to White County. The call of December 19,
1864, stinmlated anew the enlistment. During the winter months of
1864-5, war meetings were held everywhere to clear the county, but the
work was slow and tedious. Draft was again fixed for the 15th of Feb-
ruary, but was postponed until early in April, 1865, when it came off at
Michigan City. The details can not be given. The number of drafted
men that reported may be learned from the following exhibit, which was
made out on the 14th of April, 1865, when all efforts to raise men were
abandoned. The exhibit refers to the call of December" 19, 1864, for
300,000 men :
Townships.
2
a •
o
1^
Is
ii
II
-2
"3
1
a
1
1«
11
til
a
O i
i 1
(M
o-
o-
jz;
>
o
o
fcn f
M &H
(K
Union ...
83
17
25
7
25
12
2
5
9
8
5
29
12
20
7
9
6
4
Honey Creek
5
Liberty
71
13
13
9
8
3
20
12
8
7
Cass. ..
12
66
79
22
3
13
11
3
13
11
6
n
5
7
3
4
8
18
11
6
3
11
5
'. 2
5
5
Princeton
West Point
Round Grove
18
6
11
n
3
6
10
6
10
Big Creek
Jackson
114
244
17
51
17
51
4
40
18
3
8"
26
51
8
44
. 18
4 3
9
Prairie
Total
763
163
163
97
57
.
197
136
4 57
35
Number of 3Ien Furnished. — It is impossible to state the exact num-
ber of men furnished by the county during the war of 1861-5; only an
"0
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
approximate number can be given. About the first of September, 1862,
the county had furnished 751 volunteers, 700 of whom were then in the
service. The calls of July and August, 1862, for an aggregate of 600,-
000 men, required from White not less than 220 men, and this number
was promptly furnished. About 90 men left the county for the six
months' service under the call of June 15, 1863 ; and the county quota
of 106 under the call of October, 1863, was furnished. The quota under
the two calls of February and March, 1864, was about 170 men ; under
the call of July, 1864, was 237 men; and under the last call of the war in
December, 1864, was 163. These quotas were all filled, partly by draft,
partly by enlistment, and partly by veteran credits. By the last table
above, it will be seen that on the 14th of April, 1865, when all efforts to
raise troops ceased, the county had furnished a surplus of 34 men above
all calls. To recapitulate from the above facts, 751 and 220 and 90 and
106 and 170 and 237 and 163 and 34 and an estimated 100 that left the
county to enlist, give a grand total of men, credited to the county during
the war, of 1,871. This number includes volunteers, recruits, conscripts,
veterans, and those who enlisted more than once for. short periods. This
estimate is not far from correct, and is a very superior showing for a
county whose total militia including exempts did not exceed about 2,300.
White County Companies. — The following full companies, with all
their officers during the war, were furnished by the county : Company
K of the 20th Regiment — Captains, Alfred Reed and J. C. Brown ;
First Lieutenants, John T.Richardson; J. C. Brown and John Price ;
Second Lieutenants, Daniel D. Dale, J. B. Harbolt, John Price, John C.
Bartholomew and Samuel E. Ball. Company E of the 46th Regiment —
Captains, William Spencer, Henry Snyder and Charles F. Fisher ; First
Lieutenants, Eli R. Herman, George Spencer, Charles F. Fisher and
Ellis Hughes; Second Lieutenants, Henry Snyder, Charles F. .Fisher,
Preston S. Meek and Abram F. Hunter. Company G of the 46th Reg-
iment — Captains, Robert W. Sill, Joseph D. Cowdin, Woodson S.
Marshall, James Hess and Joseph L. Chamberlain ; First Lieutenants,
Joseph D. CoAvdin, James Hess, Joseph M. Taylor and Enos Thomas;
Second Lieutenants, John M. Berkey, James Hess, W. H. H. Rader
and Joseph H. Carr. Company G, 63d Regiment — Captains John Hollo-
way and Aden Nordyke ; First Lieutenants, G. W. Jewett, Aden Nor-
dyke and T. S. Jones ; Second Lieutenants, Aden Nordyke, T. S. Jones
and Timothy D. Hogan. Company D of the 12th Regiment (three
years) — Captains, George Bowman and B. F. Price; First Lieutenants,
J. A. Blackwell, B. F. Price and Lewis Murray; Second Lieutenants,
B. F, Price and Amos J. Osborn. Company F of the 99th Regiment —
Captains, George H. Gwinn and Andrew Cochran ; First Lieutenants,
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 71
Andrew Cochran, Jolin T. Ramoy and J. C. Klepiriger ; Second Lieuten-
ants, G. S. Walker and T, J. Thompson. Company K of the 116th
Regiment (six months) — Captain, Elijaii C. Davis ; First Lieutenant,
Joseph W. Davis; Second Lieutenant, Isaac H. Jackson. Company F
of the 128th Regiment — Captains, James G. Staley and Henry G. Bliss ;
First Lieutenants, J. G. Staley, H. G. Bliss, Watt E. Brown and Cal-
vin W. Keefer ; Second Lieutenants, William C. Kent, Thomas Fitzpat-
rick and John Skevington. Company G of the 151st Regiment (from
White and Pulaski Counties) — Captain, Carter L. Vigus ; First Lieu-
tenants, Elijah C. Davis and Jam \s D. Sherman ; Second Lieutenants,
J. D. Sherman and Enoch Benefiel.
Sanitary Efforts. — The first efforts of a sanitary nature have been
referred to a few pages back. In March, 1862, the jffera?tZ suggested the
propriety of organizing Ladies' Aid Societies in the county, but no action
at that time seems to have been taken. Another such suggestion in
April met the same fate. Still later in the same month, it was an-
nounced through the Herald that a meeting to organize such a society
would be held at the court house on the afternoon of the 23d of April.
It is probable that the meeting was not held, as no account of it appears
in the Herald of the following weeks. On the 1st of August, J. W. T.
McMullen delivered an eloquent oration at Monticello, upon which
occasion $100 was subscribed for soldiers' ftimilies. Nothing further
appears until Monday, March 16, I860, when an organization was at
last effected. Mrs. J. B. Bel ford was made President of the meeting,
and Mrs. A. R. Orton, Secretary. A committee was appointed to pre-
pare articles of association and government. The following permanent
officers were elected : Mrs. H. P. Anderson, President ; Mrs. N.
Ilctherington, Vice-President ; Mrs. Milton M. Sill, Treasurer ; Mrs. A.
R. Orton, Secretary ; Mrs. F. II. Kicfhaber, Mrs. A. Kingsbury, Mrs.
T. Bushnell, Mrs. J. B. Belford and Miss Ettie Newton, Directresses.
Money which had been collected at the time of the departure of Captain
Bowman's company, and which had not been expended, was turned over
to the society by A. Kingsbury, in whose hands it had been intrusted.
In May the following appeared in the county paper :
We are gratifieil to note the increasing prosperity and uniform success of this patriotic
society. C)rganize<l as it was amid the tumults and troubles of a sanguinary political
strife, it met with opposition from many whose mistaken notions prevented them from
co-operating and blinding their reason to the real object and purpose of the society.
Like Spartan mothers the ladies composing the Society continued their labors of love and
mercy, ever seeking to conciliate the disaffected, and persevering in their efforts to remove
every obstacle in the way of a hearty co-operation of all until they now have the sat-
isfaction of seeing members of all political parties, and those of evei-y shade of opinion
and belief united in one common cause, and by their presence, influence and means
72 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
aiding them in their noble and patriotic labors. * * * * The meeting of the Society
at the court house on last Friday evening was well attended. Ranaom McConahay was
called to the chair. Judge Turpie addressed the audience for nearly an hour in remarks
that were well-timed, instructive and patriotic. The amount received by contribution
was $21.40. A committee was appointed to invite Hon. Alfred Reed to address the
Society ht its meeting in two weeks.
On the 19th of June, a strawberry festival held at the court house
netted the Society nearly $50, The building was crowded with ladies
and gentlemen, and the occasion was greatly enjoyed. The Society con-
tinued on during the remainder of the war, doing an excellent work ;
but, owing to the lack of records which should have been kept, the details
can not be given.
Bounty and Relief. — The first action taken by the County Commis-
sioners in the direction of relief to soldiers' families was in August, 1862,
when township trustees were authorized to provide for the reasonable
wants of the families of soldiers iu the field, keeping proper vouchers,
upon the presentation of which they would be reimbursed from the county
treasury. It was not until the 26th of November, 1863, that the Com-
missioners authorized the payment of $100 bounty to volunteers under
the call of October, but after that, and even long after the war had ended,
large amounts were paid out. No proper record seems to have been kept
of these important disbursements. The following imperfect exhibit, taken
from the Adjutant- General's Report is the best that can be given of the
county bounty and relief fund:
White County . ...
Bounty.
$60,500
Relief.
$ 48 80
Prairie
25,000
1 776 86
Big Creek
450
34.92
Union
Monon
675
50
812.83
262.95
Liberty
100
68.89
Jackson
150 ..
544 35
Princeton
3,300
West Point
1,228
48.30
Cass
333
1,370.37
Honey Creek
392.58
Round Grove
4,100
6 30
$101,250.15.
Total
Grand Total
$95,880
$5,364.15
Joy and Sorrow. — The receipt of the news of the surrender of the
army of Gen. Lee to Gen. Grant at 4:30 o'clock p. m., April 9, 1865,
was received with intense and universal rejoicing. Public meetings were
held everywhere, that the citizens might have the opportunity of mingling
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. 73
their congratulations and publicly expressing their joy at the successful
issue of the war and the maintenance of the union of the States. Un-
fortunately an account of these meetings can not be given. Immediately
after this came the painful news that President Lincoln had been assas-
sinated. The revulsion in public feeling was sickening. Many a man
and woman had learned to love the name of Abraham Lincoln. He had
led them through four long years of darkness and death — had been the
cloud by day and pillar of fire by night through all the starless gloom of
war, and now, when the sunlight of victory had lighted the national heart
with boundless joy, and every eye was dim, and every knee bent in
grateful thanksgiving, to have the beloved Lincoln cut down so untimely
was indeed bitter and hard to bear. Scores burst into tears as if they
had lost their dearest friend. A meeting was called to be held at the
court house April 19th, to pay proper tribute to the life and public services
of the illustrious dead. Lucius Pierce was called to the chair, and W. H.
Dague and J. W. McEwen appointed Secretaries ; George Spencer, A.
R. Orton, R. Brown, Benjamin Spencer, and Thomas Bushnell were
appointed a committee to prepare resolutions suitable to the occasion.
The court room Avas beautifully decorated with evergreen sprigs and early
blossoms, and a large portrait of the martyred President shrouded in a
fine silk banner and draped with crape and other trappings of sorrow oc-
cupied the wall over the chairman. Eloquent eulogies were delivered by
Revs. Black and Cissel, and Messrs. Turpie, R. McConahay, Ellis
Hughes, and others. Select quartets supplied splendid music. At the
conclusion of the services, the church and the court house bells were tolled
one hour. All business was suspended from 9 o'clock a. m. until 3 o'clock
p. m., and the principal streets and buildings were extensively and ap-
propriately draped. The following resolutions were presented by the
committee and unanimously adopted :
Whereas, Abraham Lincoln, a man eminent, for the purity of his life and his unself-
ish devotion to his country, and for four years President of the United States at a time
and under circumstances which rendered his duties peculiarly difficult and embarrassing
while still performing the duties of that office to which he has been re-elected by a confid-
ing people, has been stricken down by the hand of a murderer, therefore
Resolrfd, That we have received the news of this terrible calamity with the deepest
emotions of horror and grief.
Resolved, That the deceased will stand among the brightest names of history, and
will be forever remembered with admiration and honor not only by his countrymen, but
by the good and true of all countries and of all times.
Resolved, That the ruler of no people in the past history of the world has had such
high trusts under circumstances so perilous, and discharged the high responsibility with
such unselfish devotion.
Resolved, That amid the throes of national calamity we humbly pray that God may
avert the evil which seems to overwhelm us, and overrule this dark crime to the good
of the nation.
74 HISTORY or WHITE COUNTY.
Resolved, That our late President, required to discharge the duties of an office, the
most arduous and difficult in times tlie most troublesome, has vindicated his previous
reputation for honesty and purity — has earned the title, and may appropriately be
termed " God's noblest work — an honest man," and that time has proved his course or
policy to have been conceived in the highest wisdom and executed with the greatest
ability.
Fitting memorial services were also held in many other places in the
county. The meeting at Reynolds was presided over by J. H. Thomas,
Johnson Gregory serving as secretary. Appropriate remarks were made,
and a series of seven very long resolutions was adopted. The heart of
the people went out in universal and protracted sorrow at the national
loss. The worth of the great man was realized by many, as is too often
the case, after the grave had closed over him, and his name had been
placed with that of Washington.
Sketches. — The following sketches of regiments which contained a
considerable number of men from White County are compiled from the
Adjutant General's reports and are substantially correct. Sketches of
other regiments will be found in the military history of Pulaski county
elsewhere in this volume.
TWELFTH INFANTRY (three years' service).
This regiment was reorganized at Indianapolis for the three years'
service on the 17th of August, 1862. It soon moved to Kentucky to
resist the threatened invasion of Kirby Smith. On the 30th of August,
in less than two weeks from the time of organization, it participated in
the battle of Richmond, Ky., losing 173 men killed and wounded,
including Col. Link. The regiment was mostly taken prisoners. Captain
Bowman of White County received a slight wound. After the exchange
the regiment joined Gen. Grant. After various movements it marched
on the Vicksburg campaign, participating in all the battles. It was with
Sherman's long march from Memphis to Chattanooga. In November,
1863, it fought at Mission Ridge, losing 110 men and officers. Captain
Bowman was so seriously wounded that he was conveyed home and did
not afterward join his company or regiment. It pursued Bragg to
Georgia, and then marched to the relief of Burnside at Knoxville. It
engaged in tbe Atlanta campaign, fighting at Dallas, Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Jonesboro and many skirmishes,
losing between Dalton and Atlanta 240 men, killed and wounded. It
pursued Hood, and then moved with Sherman to the sea. It moved
north through the Carolinas. It skirmished at Griswoldville, Savannah,-
Columbia and Bentonville. It moved to Raleigh, Richmond, Washing-
ton, D, C, and then to Indianapolis. It was mustered out on the 8th of
June, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
HISTOKY OF WHITE COUNTY. '' 75
SIXTY-THIRD INFANTRY.
This was organized early in 1862, and for a time did provost duty in
Indiana. During this period and longer it was only a battalion of com-
ni es A, B, C and D. In May the battalion moved east, and in
August fought at Manassas plains. After this it returned to Indian-
apolis where the regimental organization was completed. In December
it moved to Kentucky, where it guarded railroads, etc., skirmishing
several times with the enemy. After various expeditions it joined the
Athinta campaign. It fought at Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca (where it
lost 112 killed and wounded), Dallas (losing 16 wounded), near Lost
Mountain (losing 14 killed and wounded), Kenesaw Mountain and
Atlanta, losing men at all places. It skirmished often, destroyed much
rebel property, and was always active. Later, it fought at Franklin,
and at Nashvillle, and joined in the pursuit of Hood. In February,
1865, it moved east to North Carolina. It participated in the attempt
to turn Hoke's position, and fought at Fort Anderson. It fought again
near Wilmington, and after various arduous campaigns, the remaining
companies E, F, G, H, I and K were mustered out at Greensboro, June
21, 1865. A, B, C and D had returned to Indianapolis in May, at
which place they were mustered out.
NINETY-NINTH INFANTRY.
This was organized in August and September, 1862, at South Bend,
and was mustered in October 21st. In November it moved to Memphis,
'renn. It moved on the Tallahatchie campaign, and then did guard
duty. In May, 1863, it joined the Vicksburg campaign, after which it
fought at Jackson, and skirmished at Big Black River. In September
it moved to Memphis, and in November to Chattanooga. It fought at
Mission Ridge, and pursued Bragg. It moved to the relief of Burnside
amid incredible privations. It fought at Chattanooga and at Rocky
Face Ridge. It fought at Resaca, Dallas, Big Shanty, and the seven
days' skirmislies before Kenesaw Mountain. It fought at Nickajack
Creek, Decatur and Atlanta, where its commander, Gen. McPherson, was
killed. It fought at Jonesboro and Lovejoy's station, also at Little
River, Ga. It moved with Sherman to Savannah, skirmishing at Can-
nouchee River and at Ogeechee River. It participated in the brilliant
charge upon Fort McAllister. It moved north through the Carolinas,
skirmishing at Duck Creek, Edisto River and Bentonville. On the 5th
of June, 1865, it was mustered out at Washington, D. C.
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEENTH INFANTRY.
These men were recruited at Lafayette and mustered in in August,
76 HISTOKY OF WHITE COUNTY.
1863. It moved first to Dearborn near Detroit, Michigan, to guard the
U. S. arsenal. In September it moved to Kentucky. In October it
fought the rebels at Blue Springs, and again in December at Walker's
Ford. It waded the river there under a heavy musketry fire, and took a
position to check the enemy until other troops had crossed the river.
After-ward the fighting was severe. After doing much arduous guard
and fatigue duty the regiment moved to Indianapolis, thence to Lafayette,
where it was mustered out. Its term of service was six months.
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.
This regiment was recruited during the fall and winter of 1863, and
rendezvoused at Michigan City. It was mustered in March 18, 1861,
and took the field first at Nashville, Tenn. Later it marched to the
front at Charleston. It marched on the Atlanta campaign, fighting at
Ixesaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain,
Atlanta, and Jonesboro. It moved in pursuit of Hood, and joined the
army of Gen. Thomas. It skirmished six days near Columbia, and fought
at Franklin, and later at Nashville, and joined in pursuit of Hood. The
regiment moved to Virginia, then to North Carolina, then to Newbern.
The enemy was encountered at Wise's Fork, and two days' skirmishing
resulted. Here the regiment lost severely. It was not mustered out
until early in 1866.
WHITE county's ROLL OF HONOR.*
Ninth Infantry. — Charles H. Allison, died of disease, December, 1861;
Horatio B. Best, died of disease at Gallatin, September, 1862; Daniel
Davisson, died at Nashville, November, 1862; Josephus Davisson, died at
Medarysville, Ind., February, 1865; Jesse E. Davisson, died at Nashville,
December, 1862; George W. Faris, died at Cheat Mountain, December,
1861 ; William Gibbs, died at ReadyviUe, Tenn., April 1863 ; William
McDaniels, died at Elkwater, Va., October, 1861; William Lewzader,
died of wounds received at Kenesaw, July, 1864; Francis M. Elston,
captured at Chickamauga, died in Andersonville Prison; Daniel Phillips,
died at home, May, 1862 ; Thomas F. Prevoe, died at Nashville, Febru-
ary, 1863 ; William M. Robey, died at Cheat Mountain, December, 1861;
A. M. Scott, captured at Chickamauga, died in Andersonville, August,
1864 ; Charles Wilson, killed at Buffalo Mountain, December, 1861.
Twelfth Infantry. — Washington Custer, died at Grand Junction,
Tenn., February, 1863 ; John W. Burnell, killed by fall from a building,
* This record is made out from the Adjutant General's Reports and is the best that
can be given.
HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY. //
July, 1863; Samuel R. Burnell, died at Camp Sherman, Miss., August.
1863 ; George W. Colvin, died at Grand Junction, Tenn., March, 1863 ;
lien ry 11. Coshon, died at Camp Sherman, Miss., September, 1863;
George Davis, died at Grand Junction, Tenn., February, 1863; Sihis
Dern, died at Grand Junction, Tenn., February, 1863 ; Frank Eldridge,
died at Grand Junction, IMarch, 1863 ; James T. French, died at Troy,
0., March, 1864; Joseph Fisher, died at Scottsboro, Ala., January,
1864; Oliver B. Glasscock, died at Scottsboro, Ala., May, 1864; John
G. Irelan, died at Memphis, April, 1863; Hampton D, Johnson, died at
Grand Junction, March, 1863; Isaac E. Jones, died at Grand Junction,
^3nn., January, 1863; Robert T. Little, killed near Atlanta, July, 1864 ;
Samuel D. Mclntire, killed at Richmond, Ky., August, 1862; Benjamin
McCormick, killed at Richmond, Ky., August, 1862 ; William Skivington,
killed at Mission Ridge, November, 1863; Harvey E. Scott, killed near
Atlanta, July, 1864 ; John E. Tedford, died at Nashville, March,
1865 ; Jacob Vanscoy, killed at Mission Ridge, November, 1863: Samuel
Dickey, killed at Atlanta, August, 1864; Eliliu B. Miller, died of Avounds,
September, 1862; Joseph H. Rook, died of wounds at Richmond, Ky.,
November, 1862 ; Francis M. Reed, died at Scottsboro, March, 1864,
John Shigley, killed at Resaca, Ga., May, 1864.
TJdrteenth Infantry. — Daniel Utsler, died of wounds received at
Petersburg, June, 1864.
Twentietli Infantry. — Second Lieutenant John C. Bartholomew, died
of wounds, May, 1864; Nathaniel W. Brunnel, died of wounds received
at Gettysburg ; Robert Duncan, killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June, 1864 ;
James W. Dyer, killed at Gettysburg, July, 1863 ; Abraham Dawson,
died at Philadelphia, September, 1862 ; John M. Dobbins, died at Phila-
delphia, August, 1862.
Thirty-fifth Infantry. — James Bowley, died at Bull's Gap, April,
1865.
Forty-sixth Infantry. — Joseph Adams, died at St. Louis, April,
1862 ; David Bishop, died at Lexington, Ky., February, 1865 ; Edward
M. Brous, died at New Madrid, Mo., March, 1862 ; Isaac Briner, died
of wounds received at Vicksburg, June, 1863 ; Joshua T. Colvin, died
in prison at Tyler, Texas, December, 1864 ; William R. Clouse, killed
at Sabine Roads, April, 1864 ; Daniel Crummer, died at Milliken's
Bend, May, 1863; John B. Crummer, died at Grand Gulf, Miss., May,
1863 ; David A. Debra, died at Bardstown, Ky., February, 1862 ; Ed-
ward Folk, died at Tyler, Texas, April, 1864 ; William J. Kendall, died
at St. Louis, June, 1863 ; Robert C. Henderson, died at Evansville, Ind.,
April, 1862; John D. Herman, died at Burnettsville, July, 1862 ; James
Hastings, died in rebel prison ; Josiah Mitz, died at Helena, Ark.,
/>S HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
February, 1863 ; Randolph Meredith, died at Netv Orleans, January,
1862; George W. Smith, killed at Champion Hills, May, 1863 ; John
Meredith, died while prisoner, July, 1864 ; Martin V. Wiley, died at
Burnettsville, April, 1862 ; J. K. M. Wood, drowned at Memphis, June,
1864.
EigJily- seventh Infantry. — George W. Bare, died at Bowling Green,
Ky., December, 1862 ; John A. Dunnick, died at Gallatin, June, 1863 ;
Richard B. Herman, died at Nashville, March, 1863 ; Willis H. Kelley,
died at Nashville, April, 1863.
Ninetieth Infantry. — Joseph Alexander, died in Andersonville Pris-
on, Ga., August, 1864; Henry C. Iron, died at Mt. Vernon, Ind., Jan-
uary, 1863 ; Peter Lawrence, died at Mt. Vernon, Ind., January, 1863.
Ninety-ninth Infantry. — Thomas H. Calvin, died at LaGrange, Tenn.,
February, 1863 ; Stephen B. Gould, died at LaGrange, Tenn., March,
1864 ; John W. Hughes, killed at Kenesaw, June, 1864 ; Alexander
Herron, died of wounds, September, 1864 ; Archibald McLean, died at
St. Louis, Mo., December, 1862 ; Nathaniel Matthews, drowned near
Helena, Ark., October, 1863 ; Lemuel E. Newell, drowned near Helena,
Ark., June, 1863 ; John P. Russell, died on hospital boat, October,
1863.
One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Infantry. — Captain James G. Staley,
killed in action at Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864 ; First Lieu-
tenant W. E. Brown, died of wounds received in action, March 11,
1865 ; Monroe Burnett, died at Salisbury, N. C, September, 1863 ;
Josiah Hatfield, died at Brookston, Ind., April, 1864 ; Thomas
Hawkins, died at J-^ffersonville, Ind., April, 1864 ; A. S. Hazen,
died at Knoxville, Tenn., August, 1864 ; Samuel A. Hutchins,
died at Nashville, Tenn., September, 1864 ; Joseph Karnes, died
at Andersonville, Ga., August, 1864; John S. Layman, died in An-
dersonville Prison, July, 1864 ; Leslie B. Meeker, died at Wol-
cott's Mills, January, 1864 ; James Nichols, died at Knoxville,
August, 1864 ; Daniel Nichols, died at Knoxville, August, 1864 ; John
Price, died at Louisville, Ky., July, 1864 ; Joshua J. Shields, died in
Andersonville Prison, July, 1864 ; Elijah Tolberd, died at Knoxville,
Tenn., January, 1864 ; John Voris, died at Nashville, April, 1864.
One Hundred and Forty-second Infantry. — Andrew J. Foutz, died at
Nashville, March, 1865 ; Daniel Shafer, died at Nashville, February,
1865.
One Hundred and Fifty-first Infantry. — Henry C. Davis, died at
Nashville, July, 1865 ; Samuel W. Irvin, died at Indianapolis, March,
1865.
Tivelfth Cavalry. — Robert Beaver, died at Murfreesboro, January,
1865 ; Thomas Gibson, died at Mobile, Ala., April, 1864 ; Leonard
UNION TOWNSHIP. 79
Hastings, died at Memphis, September, 1865 ; Robert N. Perfect, died at
Kendallville, Ind., March, 1864; R. Skinner, died at Murfreesboro,
March, 1865.
Re-union of 1881. — A soldiers' re-union was held at Monticello on the
28th, 29th and 30th of September, 1881, on which occasion not less than
10,000 persons were present. Ex-soldiers were there from all the neigh-
boring counties, and even from quite distant points. E. R. Brown, of
Winamac, addressed the meeting on the first day, and Gen. Manson on
the second day. During the first two days, the time was passed much
after the fashion while in actual service, camps being formed, and the
boys passing the hours in recounting their varied experiences. The last
day was the day of the re-union. Military evolutions were enjoyed in
the forenoon, and in the afternoon the sham battle took place. 'J'he Un-
ion forces were defeated. It was one of the most enjoyable times ever
passed in Monticello.
CHAPTER III.
BY WKSTON A. GOODSPEED.
Union Township — Early Officers and Elections — The Coming of
THE Pioneers — Mt. Walleston — Manufacuries — Mo.nticello
Founded — Merchandising — Mills and Kindred Industries —
Present Business Men — Banking — Incorporations — Newspa-
pers — Secret Societies — Schools and Churches — Notes.
" The olden times have passed away,
And in the clearing by the wood,
Fair Architecture builds to-day
Proud mansions where the cabin stood.
And cities lift their domes and spires
Where hunters struck their Ion camp-tires."
—Sarah T. Bolton, Avgttst, 1880.
UNION TOWNSHIP was created at the first session of the court of
County Commissioners in 1834, and at that time included all of
White County west of the Tippecanoe River, and north of the line divid-
ing Townships 25 and 26 north, together with the attached territory,
of what now constitutes the counties of Newton and Jasper, and the
western portion of Pulaski. This large township, which was almost
wholly vininhabited, remained intact until the erection of Monon Town-
ship in January, 1836, when the present township of that name and all
the attached territory on the north and northwest were given a separate
organization. Afterward, as will be seen elsewhere in this volume, other
territory was stricken oft' until Union took its present size and shape.
80 . HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
Early Elections. — The first elections held in Union Township, owing
to the probable fact that the records have not been preserved, cannot
be given in these pages. Such returns may be in the Clerk's office, but if
so, they have been misplaced. An act of the State Legislature of that
day permitted the citizens of a county to vote at any precinct within its
limits, though no correctional provision to prevent what is now known as
"repeating" seems to have been made. Perhaps our fathers were so hon-
orable that no such provision was necessary. As the emoluments of office
then were mainly nominal, there seems to have been no inducement for
corrupt and criminal practices in the election of public servants. It is
stated that the elections were attended principally for social intercourse,
and that officers were elected more as a matter of form, or as a measure to
anticipate possible duties, than as a necessity for the public good. It fre-
quently happened that an entire term of office would expire without the
commission of a single official act. It was a common thing in early years
for officers to serve with the understanding that the compensation for so
doing should be the settlement of their tax. Many attended elections
solely to enjoy a holiday, get acquainted with their neighbors, swap horses
or oxen, shoot at a mark for the whisky, or some other reason equally as
trivial. It remained for subsequent years to develop the passion for
political log-rolling — a very diiFerent kind of log-rolling from that prac-
ticed by the old settlers.
On the day of the creation of Union Township (July 19, 1834), the
County Commissioners appointed the following officers for the new town-
ship : Peter Price and Elias Louther, Overseers of the Poor; Samuel Gray,
Sr., and James Johnson, Fence Viewers ; William Wilson, Road Super-
visor. At the same time, an election of one Justice of the Peace was or-
dered held on the first Monday of the following August. Joshua Lind-
sey was elected. Melchi Gray became Inspector of Elections in Union
Township in May, 1835. Nothing further of the elections of 1835
and the early part of 1836 can be given.
Election of November, 1836. — At the Presidential election held at
Monticello, November, 1836, the following men voted . Oliver Ham-
mond, John Brady, Salmon Sherwood, Thomas R. Dawson, G. R.
Bartley, William Price, Samuel Shanahan, James Haight, Melchi Gray,
W. M. Kenton, Robert Newell, Isaac N. Parker, Zebulon Sheets, Row-
land Hughes, John Roberts, Asa Allen, Philip Davis, James Barnes,
Stephen Bunnell, Peter Price, Jacob Miser, Zebulon Dyer, Ashford
Parker, M. H. Rayhill, Patrick Sullivan, John Ferguson, John Wilson,
William Kane, Amos Cooper, John L. Stump, Alexander Redding,
Joseph Naylor, Peter Foust, Andrew Ferguson, John Beaver, Lemuel
Davis, William Reese, Samuel Gray, M. A. Berkey, James Downey,
Peter Price.
(deceased)
UNION TOWNSHIP. 83
Philip Wolverton, Anthony Foust, H. L. Gray, Simon Kenton, Chris-
ton Carroll, Thomas Downey, George Stump, Alexander Nelson, Sam-
uel Hendson, Lewis Elson, Hannibal Parcel, John Killgore, Lewis
Dawson, Joseph Harr, Thomas Macklin, Samuel Beaver, Daniel Mur-
ray, Levi Wolverton, George Burgett, John Humes, John Cabler,
Joshua Rinker, James Parker, John McNeary, Randolph Brearley,
Joseph Skidmore, Ranson McConahay, Robert A. Spencer, Peter
Martin, Samuel Smith, John Courtney, William Smith, John Reams,
Thomas Spencer, David Burkey, John Reese, Benjamin Watkins, James
K. Wilson, James Gray, Daniel Phillips, Daniel Dale, James Johnson,
Joshua Lindsey, Jeremiah Fisher, Jacob Owens, Isaac Busey, John T.
Busey, Joshua Rogers, Robert Scott, William Crigg, Jonathan Johnson,
Charles Wright, Willis Wright, Joseph Shafer, Samuel Rifenberrick,
L. S. Rothrock, John Phillips, John Reynolds, Jacob Pitzer, James
Spencer, Henry Baum, William Sill, John Burns, William Donahue,
Thomas Holaday, Silas Goldsbury, Archer Dyer, Adam P. Shigley,
Levi Johnson, Jacob Cowger.
The First Settler. — It is probable that Peter Price was the first perma-
nent settler in what is now Union Township. He appeared in the town-
ship (or rather what afterward became the township) in 1831, and erected
a small log cabin on the old homestead just west of Monticello. Hun-
dreds of Indians were then encamped in small detachments along the Tip-
pecanoe River, and frequently called on begging expeditions to the cabin.
The whole country was extremely wild. Deer were seen every day.
Wolves ran over the prairies in search of prey. There seemed to be twice
as much water as at present. Tippecanoe River was much larger than
now, and contained five times as many fish. The most noticeable feature,
however, was the almost entire absence of white people. George Barkely
came soon after Peter Price, and then, as nearly as can be learned, the
Rothrocks, Zebulon Sheets, the Cowgers and others came, though this
was two or three years later. During the years 1834 and 1835, many
came in, generally selecting the land along the river, because of its free-
dom from standing water and because of the presence of timber. The
water-power of the river also attracted attention. The Tippecanoe (al-
ways a beautiful river) was declared navigable, and pirogues and large
rafts of logs were often seen floating on its limpid waters.
The Norwegians. — At a very early day, there came to the vicinity
of Monticello two Norwegians named respectively Hans Erasmus
Hiorth (pronounced Yert) and Peter B. Smith. According to tradition,
they had been sailors on the Atlantic Ocean, in a vessel owned by the
father of one of them, and had been intrusted with a cargo of some kind
destined for New Orleans. Upon their arrival there, so says tradition,
84 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
they not only disposed of the cargo, but of the vessel also, and with the
proceeds of the sale came into the Northern States to invest in land and
found homes. Both men were adventurous and daring, as sailors always
are, and possessed a capacity for business wMch soon placed them on a
firm financial foundation. Hiorth seemed to possess the greater amount
of the proceeds of the sale of the vessel and cargo, and bought about one
thousand acres of the choicest land in the county at that time, paying the
Government price of |1.25 per acre. This land was located mostly
at what afterward became Norway, or rather Mount Walleston. In
1832 or 1833, Mr. Hiorth constructed a dam across the river on Section
21, Township 27 north, Range 3 west, and erected a saw mill. His
partner was Mr. Smith (said not to have been his real name). Nothing
further seemed to have been done there until April, 1843, when Hiorth
leased to William Sill, of Monticello, all the water-power of the dam at
Norway, except enough to operate the saw mill, together with surround-
ing land, not to exceed three acres, and also conditioned that if the dam
broke, it should be mended immediately at Hiorth's expense, and Sill was
to pay |150 per annum for ten years for these considerations. Sill was
to help gravel the dam, to erect such buildings as he chose, to commence
the following October, or sooner, if the power could be used, and Hiorth,
at the end of ten years of the lease, was to either take the property at a
fair estimate, or renew the lease. In September, 1843, Sill was given
power to sublet portions of the water-power under specified conditions,
one of them being that he nor any sub-lessee should erect a saw mill.
In September, 1843, Hiorth leased for nine years his saw mill and the
water-power he had reserved for its operation to Martin Cherrie, to-
gether with specified portions of land there for a log yard, also a
log dwelling ; and Cherrie. agreed to build a new saw mill, taking what
he could use of the machinery of Hiorth's old one. At the same time.
Sill sub- leased, for nine years, to Cherrie sufiicient water-power to propel
a carding and fulling mill, and a small piece of land for a dyeing yard,
the consideration being ^75 per year. In 1844, Sill began the erection
of his merchant grist mill at Norway, completing the work in 1845, and
setting the mill in motion. This mill remained for years the finest for
miles around, and received a most excellent patronage, and was the means
of inducing many settlers to come to the vicinity to locate permanently.
Carding of Wool. — In January, 1845, Cherrie entered into contract
with Arthur Russell to erect a building 32x25 feet at Norway, to do all
millwright work necessary for wool-carding and cloth-dressing, and to
have the building ready by the 1st of October, 1845; and he fuither
agreed to erect another building, 28x18 feet, and to have it ready by the
1st of May, 1845, and he agreed to furnish, at all times, sufficient water
UNION TOWNSHIP. 85
power for propelling the carding and fulling machinery. Russell agreed
to furnish a carding machine, a picking machine, and all implements nec-
essary for wool-carding and cloth-dressing, and was to have superintend-
ence of the mill for nine years, was to employ all help, and was to receive,
annually, out of the profits of the shops, $280. This contract between
Cherrie and Russell was canceled in December, 1815, but not until after
most of the conditions had been complied with, and the carding mill had
been set in operation.
Norway^ or Mt. Walleston. — About the year 1815, Mr. Hiorth died,
and in 1846, his widow, Bergetta Hiortli, married a Norwegian acquaint-
ance named Glaus Lauritz Clausen, who lived in Rock County, Wisconsin
Territory. In February, 1848, all the land in White County, formerly
owned by Mr. Hiorth, consisting of 963 acres, was sold to C. W, & R.
C. Kendall, for $6,100, and the Clausens went to Wisconsin Territory to
live. The land was sold at a considerable sacrifice, though subject to all
the claims of renters, lessees, etc. Before this sale, however, or in March,
1845, Bergetta Hiorth employed John Armstrong, surveyor, and laid out
ninety-six lots on the northwest fraction of Section 21, Township 27
north, Range 3 west, and named the village thus founded Mount Wal-
leston. The old plat shows Hiorth, Washington and Franklin streets,
running east and west, and Frances, Broadway, Norway and Hill running
north and south. Before this, however, a small store had been opened at
the village by Casad & Guthridge, it is said, though this may be a mis-
take. As soon as the grist mill and the carding mill were built and the
town was laid out, the sale of lots and the erection of houses were begun.
At this time, and for a few years later. Mount Walleston rivaled Monti-
cello in enterprise and population. Blacksmiths and carpenters appeared,
and the various mills were actively operated. Lumber was kept for sale ;
large quantities of excellent flour were shipped to distant points, and
farmers came from scores of miles around to have their wool carded and
afterward fulled. The Kendalls conducted a store there ; a ferry-boat
was kept for the passage of men and teams across the river, and a post
oflSce was established.
Mills. — In September, 1848, the Kendalls leased to G. B. Woltz and
Arthur Russell, ow^ners and operators of the woolen factory, thirty-seven
additional inches of water, to be used in propelling a considerable increase
in machinery in the mill. For this water, the owners of the woolen mill
were to pay $35 annually. Up to this time, only two sets of buhrs Ivid
been used in the grist mill, but now a third set was adiled, and the capacity
of the mill increased in other respects. Notwithstanding all the push
and enterprise at Norway, the village was destined to grow but little
larger than it was in 1850. During the '50's it remained about the
86 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
same. Prior to 1857, no bridge had spanned the river at that point;
but at that date the Norway Bridge Company was formed with a capital
stock of $1,500, to be raised to |2,000, if necessary. Forty-four of the cit-
izens living in the vicinity took stock in the enterprise, J. S. Casad taking
twenty-four shares at $25 each. The bridge was immediately built, but in
1866 was swept away by a freshet, and the ferry was again brought into
use. Toll was collected for passage across the bridge.
Joseph Rothrock built a "brush dam" across the Tippecanoe River,
just below Monticello, as early, it is stated, as 1838. He erected a
small saw mill, but for some reason did little work with his mill — prob-
ably owing to the fact that his dam was rather a poor concern. Daniel
M. Tilton obtained some sort of an interest there, and in about the year
1840 erected a small carding mill. A short time afterward the carding
mill caught fire and burned to the ground, although the citizens of the
town were on hand promptly with buckets and ladders. The saw mill
was saved, though standing against the woolen mill.
MONTICELLO,
Section S3, Township 27 north. Range 3 west, upon which stands
the town of Monticello, was entered at Crawfordsville as follows :
Peter Price, 80 acres, June 13, 1831 ; west half of the southwest
quarter.
George Barkely, 80 acres, June 13, 1831 ; east half of the southeast
quarter.
George Barkely, 78.68 acres, June 7, 1833 ; south part of the south-
west quarter.
Robert Rothrock, 59.17 acres, September 6, 1834 ; south half of the
northeast quarter.
Robert Rothrock, 51.05 acres, September 6, 1834 ; north half of the
southeast quarter.
Zebulon Sheets, 36.36 acres, November 1, 1834; east fraction.
Samuel Rifenberrick, 80 acres, November 22, 1834 ; south half of
the northwest quarter.
Robert Armstrong, 62.70 acres, March 11, 1835; north half of the
northeast quarter.
Peter Martin, 40 acres, August 25, 1835; northeast quarter of the
northwest quarter.
Peter Martin, 40 acres, January 20, 1836 ; northwest quarter of the
northwest quarter.
Monticello, named by the Commissioners appointed by the Legisla-
ture to locate the county seat, for the home of Thomas Jefferson, was laid
out on the 3d of November, 1834, under the supervision of John Barr,
UNION TOWNSHIP. 87
County Agent. He was assisted by Asa Allen, Melchi Gray, Joshua
Lindsey, and others, and laid off ninety-two lots, exclusive of the public
square, near the center of the southwest fraction of the northeast quarter
of Section 33, Township 27 north. Range 3 west, or on land that had
been entered by Robert Rothrock.
Three of the Commissionerss appointed to located the county seat —
John Killgore, John B. King and James H. Stewart — met on Monday,
September 1, 1834, and after viewing various ambitious locations, one of
which was in Big Creek Township, completed their labors on Friday, the
5th of September, and made their report which may be seen elsewhere
in this volume. At this time, the land upon which the county seat was
located had not yet been entered, or in other words was yet the property of
the United States. The land was selected because it seemed the most eligi-
ble site near the center of the county, and for the further reason that whereas
other points wishing the location were somewhat exacting regarding the do-
nations to be made, it became clear to the Locating Commissioners, from
an offer they received from John Barr, Sr., Hans E. Hiorth and John
Rothrock, that the new county would be far better off financially, if the
county seat was fixed at Monticello; of course there was not a house then
standing on the present site of the town. The offer made by Barr, Hiorth
and John Rothrock to the Locating Commissioners was that if the latter
would agree to locate the county seat at Monticello, on land which yet be-
longed to the Government, the former would proceed to La Porte and
enter the land and donate the entire eighty acres, upon which the town was
to be located, with reservation, to the county. This offer was accepted
by the Commissioners. But the land instead of being entered by these
three men was really entered by Robert Rothrock. The following bond
explains the situation :
Know all men by those presents, that I, Robert Bothrock, acknowledge myself
^0 owe and to be indebted to John Barr, H. E. Hiorth and John Rothrock in the sum
of |1,000. good and lawful money of the United States, to the payment of which I
bind myself, my heirs, administrators and executors firmly by these presents, signed
and sealed this 10th day of September, A. D. 1834.
The conditionof the above obligation is such, that, whereas, the aforesaid John
Barr, H. E. Hiorth and John Rothrock having placed in the hands of the said
Robert Rothrock the sum of .| 137. 77^ for the purpose of entering at the La Porte
Land Office the following fractional lots, to wit : the south half of the northeast
quarter and the north half of the southeast quarter of Section 33, Township 27
north. Range 8 west, containing in all 110 22-100 acres, which lots were purchased
for the purpose of a county seat in White County. Now, if the said Robert Both-
rock shall make to the said John Barr, II. E. Hiorth and John Rothrock good and
sufficient title in fee simple, then the above obligation to be null and void ; other-
wise to remain in full force and virtue ; the above deeds or titles to be made as soon
as the patent can be obtained from the Government.
Attest, RoBEUT RocKRocK. [Seal.]
Joshua Lindsey,
Peter B. Smith.
88 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
Tradition says that Robert Rothrock coveted the distinction of having
entered the land where the county seat was located, and to humor this
ambition the three men furnished him the money, taking his bond as
above. The county seat was located, then, by the 5th of September,
and on the 6th, as shown by the tract book, Robert Rothrock entered the
land at La Porte ; but the above bond was signed and sealed on the 10th
of September, four days after the land had been entered. In other
words, Robert Rothrock entered the land four days before his bond was
signed, and was therefore intrusted with the money before he had ob-
ligated himself to transfer the land to the proper owners, Barr, Hiorth
and John Rothrock. The title actually passed from Robert Rothrock to
these three men, or rather directly to the County Agent, the three men
quit-claiming their title.
First Plat. — As stated above, Monticello was laid out on the 3d of
November, 1834, and on the 7th, in pursuance of an order of the County
Commissioner, a public sale of the lots took place, Melchi Gray officiat-
ing as auctioneer or crier and Joshua Lindsey serving as clerk of the
sale. The detailed results of this sale cannot be given. The old plat
was bounded on the north by Marion street, east by Tippecanoe, south
by JeflFerson and west by Illinois. On the 6th of March, 1837, the title
to the land not having yet passed from Robert Rothrock to Barr, Hiorth
and John Rothrock, the former conveyed the following tract of land to
John Barr, County Agent, and his successors in office : Beginning at a
point where the west line of Illinois street in the said town of Monticello
running north as the town plat of the said town is laid out would inter-
sect the north line of the southwest fraction of the northeast quarter of
Section 33, Township 27 north. Range 3 west, thence east with the
north line of said fraction to the Tippecanoe River, thence with the
meanderings of the said river to the south line of the northwest fraction
of the southeast quarter of Section 33, Township 27 north, Range 3
west, thence with the south line of said last mentioned fraction west to a
point where the west line of said Illinois street aforesaid extended south
would intersect said last mentionned line, thence north with the west line of
said Illinois street, extended as aforesaid to the place of beginning. The
conveyance was made upon the express condition that the county seat
should forever remain located upon the land. Appended to this document
was a quit claim of all the rights, titles and interests of Barr, Hiorth
and John Rothrock in the land, conditioned that the land should forever
remain the site of the county seat. In view of these conditional trans-
fers, and the lapse of time and the growth of public institutions and in-
terests, the difficulty of removing the county seat to some other point in
White County becomes at once apparent.
UNION TOWNSHIP. 89
The First Buildings. — Monticello was laid out so late in the fall of
1834 that it is probable that no attempt was made to construct buildings
until early the following spring. Two buildings were erected about the
same time — an office for William Sill, County Clerk, Auditor and Re-
corder, and a small combined store building and dwelling for Henry
Orwig, of Delphi, who had purchased a lot or more in the town at the
public sale the preceding fall. In May, 1835, Orwig began to sell from
a small stock of goods, consisting of a general assortment worth $500. It
was necessary, at this time and for many years afterward, for merchants
to obtain a license to sell goods ; but Orwig did not obtain his license
until the following autumn. The town began to grow rapidly. Carpen-
ters, blacksmiths, doctors, merchants, minister, lawyers, speculators and
mechanics of all trades began to appear, and the erection of dwellings and
shops, both log and frame, soon established the principal streets. The
energy of the place was even more pronounced during the year 1836
than during 1835. Rowland Hughes opened his tavern in May, 1836,
paying $5 for the license. Parcel & Nicholson opened with a general
stock of goods about the same time. The exact value of any of the
early stocks of goods cannot be given ; but none exceeded |1,000, as ap-
pears from the licenses which are yet in existence. These men paid $10
for their license, as did also Ford, Walker & Co., who began about the
same time — May, 1836. Rowland Hughes soon obtained license to sell
whisky, and thus laid the foundation for all the subsequent years of
traffic in that infernal liquid. The distinction is not to be envied. Pat-
rick Sullivan soon opened up with whisky, and was afterward indicted
one or more times for selling whisky to the Indians, in violation of the
law. It was nothing unusual then to see Indians come into town, some-
times on ponies, and to see them enter the shops to buy goods, trade
beads and trinkets for the articles they coveted, or to get drunk on " co-
cooshy." It is stated that several years later, when Monticello was quite
a town, and the citizens were much prouder, two or three deer were seen
lying near a large stone and a patch of hazel brush, just north of where
the post office now is, as late as 8 or 9 o'clock in the morning.
They had enjoyed their night's rest with no one to molest or make them
afraid, and even the appearance of the day brought no disturbers. It is
possible that the citizens had become so proud and fashionable that they
had assumed city airs, and had not yet arisen. Or perhaps they were so
few and made so little noise that the deer were not scared. The fact
remains that the deer did not leave their grassy couch until about 8 or
9 o'clock.
Industries. — In September, 1S36, the County Commissioners issued
orders to have a large pond on Main street filled with logs and gravel.
90 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
These old timbers will be taken out as sound as ever one of these days.
William Sill began selling from a general stock in 1836, as did also
Reynolds & Cassel. In November, 1836, Monticello presented about
the following appearance : William Sill and Peter Martin, variety mer-
chants ; James Parker, Sheriff; Jonathan Harbolt, carpenter; Rowland
Hughes, tavern keeper and whisky seller ; Dr. Samuel Rifenberrick, gen-
eral merchandise ; Reynolds & Cassel, general merchandise; Mr. Perces,
grocer; James McKinley, carpenter ; T. R. Dawson, carpenter ; Chris-
tian Dasher, carpenter ; G. R. Bartley, farmer ; John Ream, farmer ;
Joseph Skidmore, blacksmith ; Thompson Crose, blacksmith; Rev. Joshua
Lindsey, minister. Justice of the Peace and Postmaster ; D. M. Tilton, tailor
and Deputy Postmaster; Jacob Meyers, tailor; Jacob Thomas, shoe-maker;
Asa Allen, Surveyor; Widow Bott; Widow Reese ; Robert Spencer, car-
penter ; John Hanawalt, carpenter ; Jacob Franklin cabinet-maker ; Will-
iam Brock, plasterer and cabinet-maker; Nathaniel White, farmer ; John
Dicker ; Oliver Hammon, small store ; Salmon Sherwood, carpenter ;
Abraham Snyder, tanner. There were, perhaps, a few others in town.
The population at that time was about one hundred. There was a small
frame schoolhouse standing, also a small frame court house. Mr.
Heckendorn says that Robert Spencer was employed to erect the court
house, which he did ; but a heavy storm blew it down, and so demolished
it that Jonathan Harbolt was hired to build another, which he accord-
ingly did, the house being the one now occupied by Mr. Switzer as a
wagon shop.
In May, 1837, Peter Martin was licensed to conduct a ferry across
the river at Monticello, and was required to keep a boat large enough
for teams and a smaller boat or canoe for persons. In May, 1838, Peter
B. Smith opened a store of general merchandise. The County Commis-
sioners in November, 1838, appointed Zebulon Sheets, John Ream and
William Sill, Trustees to receive the title to the graveyard north of town,
and the sum of $30 was appropriated out of the County Treasury to be
expended upon the ground. Reynolds k Cassel went out of business in
1889 ; but Sill, Hughes, Ford, Walker & Co., Melchi Gray, P. B.
Smith, Rifenberrick & Brearley were yet plying their crafts, the others
mentioned having retired from business. Jacob Beck opened a tavern in
September, 1839, and John Brady the same in 1840. Hiorth had an
interest in the store of P. B, Smith. Kendall & Bro. were in business
in November, 1840. Jacob Beck was the County Census Taker in 1840.
Isaac Reynolds conducted a store in 1842. In 1841, Richard Tilton
made twenty-four chairs for the court house, receiving $19 for the job.
In March, 1843, James A. Clark became ferryman at Monticello. J. C.
Merrian & Co. opened a store in 1844. During all the years up to this
UNION TOWNSHIP. 91
time, it was a common thing in the colder months to see deer hanging on
the streets, or in wagons en route for Delphi, Logansport, La Fayette, or
Michigan City. A deer-skin was worth from $1 to $3. A great price
was paid for the scalps of wolves, as an inducement to the settlers to make
extra effort to rid the county of these marauding creatures. It was a
common tale to hear of the destruction of some fine flock of sheep, and to
hear some irate owner using emphatic language not prescribed in the dec-
alogue, and highly expressive of anger and disapprobation.
Industries, continued. — In about 1845-46, Sill, Hughes, Merrian &
Co., C. W. Kendall, Reynolds, Rifenberrick & Brearley, Andrew
Sproule, William Sheets k Co., and perhaps a few others were conduct-
ing stores at the county seat. Reynolds and Merrian became partners in
1846. In December of this year, John R. Willey and William Wolf
took charge of the ferry at Monticello. The Kendall Brothers owned a
fine large store of general merchandise in 1848. Sheets k Co. had
greatly increased their stock by 1849. James L. Pauley took the ferry
in June, 1851. At this time there was extensive travel across the river
and the ferryman realized no little from the general prosperity. A
newspaper had been started in 1849, and the great water-power had been
developed by an incorporated company of the citizens, and the manu-
facturing enterprises had just been started with immense and rapidly in-
creasing patronage and usefulness. Monticello at this time was a lively
place. Strangers with money to invest thronged its streets ; artisans and
mechanics flocked in and erected shops ; merchants doubled their stocks
of goods ; secret societies were founded ; large quantities of wool and
grain sought the mills ; schools and churches multiplied in number and
usefulness, and all interests, both public and private, expanded with the
activity of the times. The previous sluggish currents of commerce were
changed into torrents by the floods of wild-cat bank issues that were
literally rained down upon the channels of trade. Notwithstanding the
fact that the actual value of private bank paper was usually unknown,
the knowledge of its cheapness and its doubtful value served to float it
more swiftly through commercial channels, as all holders of it feared its
becoming worthless on their hands. Under the pressure of all this growth,
the town was incorporated, and the citizens carried their heads at a
prouder angle. In addition to all this, there was talk of a railroad ! The
New Albany & Salem Railroad was to be built^ and rumor extended the
track through Monticello, and fancy already saw the iron horse. The
County Commissioners voted to assist the enterprise. But the county
seat was doomed to grievous disappointment. The citizens could scarcely
believe that the road was to pass so near them and yet so far. To add
to the general distress, Reynolds sprang into active life, and soon laid
92 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
claims for the county seat. But this was not to be. The development of
the conditions fixing the seat Ijy justice at Monticello soon quieted all
serious apprehensions, and it is to be hoped that the matter is forever
at rest.
Later Merchants and Business Men. — It is not within the scope of
a work of this character to enter into all the details of merchandising at
Monticello, even if it were possible to do so, which it is not. In about
1852, J. & D. K. Ream opened a store, as did also Lovejoy & Rey-
nolds. Harbolt & Hartman, who had been in the furniture business for
years on a small scale, enlarged their operations, and their shop became a
prominent factor of the business enterprises of the place. They furnished
coffins for a large section of country. Sheets & Braden were merchants
about 1855. Hogland & Russell began selling flannels, satinets, etc.,
about this time, or soon afterward. Among the business establishments,
etc., in 1859-62, were the following : James E. Ballard, drugs; Drs. R.
Spencer & Son, drugs; Reich & Son, marble dealers; H. C. Kirk, mar-
ble dealer ; W. B. Keefer, merchant tailor ; John C. Brown, boot and
shoe manufacturer; W. A. Parry, grocer; W. H. Parcels, blacksmith ;
Samuel Cooper, barber ; George Bowman, Professor of Public School ;
Faling & Anderson, groceries and drugs; Richard Brown, stoves and tin-
ware ; J. & J. C. Reynolds, dry goods ; W. W. Willey, wagon factory ; E.
J. C. Hilderbrand, wagon and plow factory; Jesse Kilgore, meat market;
Kilgore & Shepard, merchandise ; N. C. Pettit, grocery and bakery ;
Robert Tinsdale, grocery ; M. A. Berkey, grocery ; C. C. Loomis, dry
goods ; N. Hetherington, saddle and harness shop ; Van Voorst Hotel ;
Monticello House, by E. Hill; D. M. Tilton, real estate; Jennings &
Stockdill, manufacturers of wagons, harrows, plows, cultivators, corn
planters, carts, wheelbarrows, etc. ; R. Voorhies and L. Trenary, milliners
and dress-makers ; W. H. Collins, jeweler ; Andrew Jackson, grocery ;
W. A. Underbill, miller ; George Inman, bakery ; Morgan & Fairman,
marble shop; Edward Neff, jeweler; Monticello Sax-Horn Band; C.
W. Kendall, dry goods; Hogland & Ayers, woolen factory; F. H. Keif-
haber, plow factory ; Kingsbury & Lynch, successors to Hogland &
Ayers, woolen factory ; Benjamin Spencer, photographer ; J. C. Rey-
nolds, brick kiln ; and many others who did not advertise, and therefore
their names cannot be given. During this period (1859-62), the town
received another impulse that multiplied every department of business.
The Logansport, Peoria & Burlington Railroad was projected and com-
pleted through the county from east to west, and a station was located at
Monticello. This no sooner became a certainty than the "boom" of 1849
-53 was repeated, only on a grander scale. The population of the town
almost doubled, and buildings of all descriptions went up to accommodate
UNION TOWNSHIP. 93
the increase. The village was incorporated, and an extensive system of
labor was begun to properly drain and grade the streets, and to provide
suitable sidewalks. Stock was restrained from running at large, and the
evidence that there was such a body as "The City Fathers" became ap-
parent. It was about this time, also, that certain men of wealth living in
the town made themselves disagreeably conspicuous by a fawning refusal
to assist in various public enterprises that were projected ; and even when
capitalists appeared ready to invest in some creditable pursuit that would
greatly enhance the value of real estate and property of all kinds, not a
foot of land was sold them, and they were permitted to depart with pesti-
lential stories of Monticello. The march of improvement went
on, however, despite these dogs in the manger, and has con-
tinued with somewhat lessened vigor until the present. The comple-
tion of the Indianapolis, Delphi & Chicago Railroad a few years ago gave
increased growth to the town. Monticello is now well supplied with ship-
ping facilities. Large quantities of grain and great numbers of live stock
are shipped annually to distant points.
Present Business Interests. — The present business interests of Monti-
cello may be summed up as follows: Dry goods, McCollum & Turner,
R. Hughes, W. R. Kendall, Snyder & Snyder, J. M. Jost ; grocer-
ies, N. C. Pettit, E. Bennett & Sons, H. P. Bennett, T. Bennett &
Brother, D. 0. Spencer & Son, W. Jost & Brother, Davis Brothers,
Joseph Young, Robert Tinsdale; hardware, Roberts & Vinson, I.
Nordyke & Son, Robert Van Voorst ; drugs, John McConnell, William
Spencer; jewelry, T. J. Woltz, J. S. Wigmore, McCollum & Turner;
restaurants, J. H. Burns, R. Pettit ; furniture, A. W. Loughry &
Co.; milliners. Miss Hannah Casey, Mrs. Dunfrey, Mrs. B. 0. Spen-
cer & Co., Mrs. A. J. Bailey ; barbers, Mrs. xlldrich, J. Snecken-
berger, W. Parcells, Mr. Ewalt ; harness, Roberts & Vinson, R,
Van Voorst, Mr. Obenchain ; boots and shoes, same as in dry goods,
also E. Long ; bankers. Shirk & McLean ; lumber, McCollum &
Turner, Michael Beiderwolf; grist mills, A. W. Loughry & Co., R.
D. Roberts & Co ; paper mill, Tippecanoe Paper Company ; woolen
factory, Snyder & Snyder; elevator, McCoUurn k Turner; hay
barn, McCollum & Turner ; hotels, McCuaig House, Anderson House,
Lear House, Failing House ; cabinet shops, Samuel Heckendorn, Roth
Brothers; newspapers. Herald, Democrat, National: agricultural im-
plements, Roberts & Vinson, John Switzer, Israel Nordyke k Son,
Ed. Gardner; undertaking, M. Beiderwolf; secret societies, Masons,
Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Sovereigns of the Red Star, Wo-
man's Christian Temperance Union (not secret) ; carriages and wagons,
John Switzer, Mahlon Frazer: stoves and tinware, Ed Gardner, Mr.
94 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
Bennett, M. Beiderwol£; merchant tailors, W. H. Thompson, W. B.
Keefer, William F. Ford, Mrs. Jane Thompson; musical instruments,
George Snyder; butchers, Zink Brothers, Drake & Coonrod, Jesse
Spencer ; abstracts, Guthrie & Bushnell, Reynolds & Sellers, William
McCulloch; real estate, 0. McConahay, Guthrie & Bushnell, Wal-
ter Hartman ; saloons. Fox & Carp, John H. Peet, Mr. Mercer, Lin-
derman & Ellis, Fritz & Bardfelt ; livery stables, McCuaig & Dun-
lap, Wallace & Matthews ; blacksmiths, John Day, Henderson & Hay,
David Rhoades ; dentists, W. P. Crowell, A. H. Wirt, Mr. Mower ;
marble shop, L. M. Watt; contractors and builders, John Saunders,
Roth Brothers, Richard Imes, Jesse Tice, James Perkins ; dress-
makers, Miss Nancy Gardner, Mrs. Coen, Miss Josephine Cowger ;
plasterers, Warfel & Thompson, Abraham Hanawalt ; concrete manu-
facturers, Kingsbury & Peck ; cigar factories, Henry Geppinger,
Frank Temple ; ready made clothing, McCollum & Turner, R. Hughes,
W. R. Kendall, J. M. Jost ; sewing machines, McCollum & Turner,
George Snyder, Roberts & Vinson ; photographers, A. J. Bailey &
Co.; churches, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, German Lu-
theran ; ministers, J. B. Smith, J. H. Johnson, George Washburn ;
doctors, R. J. Clark, S. B. Bushnell, S. R. Cowger, C. Scott, T.
B. Robinson, A. J. Wood, William Spencer ; lawyers, Sill & Palmer,
Reynolds & Sellers, D. D. Dale, W. J. Gridley, John Wallace, Wal-
ter Hartman, Owens & Uhl, 0. McConahay, W. H. Hammell,
Thomas Stanford, Thomas Neil, T. N. Bunnell, Guthrie & Bushnell,
Robert Gregory.
Hydraulic Companies. — In February, 1848, the Legislature enacted
that Phillip Wolverton, John Burns, Ashley L. Pierce, Henry Ensmiger,
Randolph Brearley, John C. Merriam, Zachariah Van Buskirk, Isaac
Reynolds and Zebulon Sheets should constitute a " body politic and cor-
porate under the name and style of the Monticello Hydraulic Company,"
whose object was to develop the water-power of the Tippecanoe River at
Monticello. In January, 1849, the company bought a small tract of
land of a man known as R. Hughes, and in June of the same year
another small tract of Zebulon Sheets, one of the members. Under a
lease, Messrs. Reynolds & Brearley erected a large frame grist mill for
merchant work ; and about the same time Hogland & Conkling built the
woolen factory. A saw mill was also built by Zebulon Sheets. A
second saw mill was afterward built by Hogland & Conkling; it became
the furniture factory. Reynolds & Brearley erected the large frame
warehouse that was afterward used many years for a schoolhouse. All
these enterprises began active work, the results of which are narrated a
few pages back. The utilization of this water-power marks an important
UNION TOWNSHIP. 95
era in the history of Monticello. The leases were for ten years, and in-
cluded certain portions of tiie water-power and small pieces of adjacent
land. These mills have been operated until the present, and their value
to Monticello cannot be estimated in figures. Probably the first wool
dealer was Peter Price, who for a number of years before a factory was
built in the county bought and traded for a considerable quantity of wool
which was shipped in wagons to Delphi, La Fayette, and other places on
the Wabash & Erie Canal, and even hauled to Michigan City, the trip
consuming about a week. He also kept in his house west of town woolen
cloths which were either traded for wool or sold for cash. Arthur Rus-
sell, Ayres, Kingsbury, Lynch, were at times connected with the woolen
factory at Monticello. During the war, Kingsbury & Lynch renewed the
lease of the water-power necessary to run their factory for another ten
years. The other establishments on the dam did the same. In 1866,
Markle & Cowdin erected the woolen factory on the east side of the river.
The Dales, Keefer & Roberts, and perhaps others were afterward con-
nected with it, but a few years ago the building was fitted up to do mer-
chant work in grinding grain, and thus continues at present.
In April, 1872, the Tippecanoe Hydraulic Company was organized
as a sort of successor to the old Monticello Hydraulic Company, the
object being the development of the water-power at or near the county
seat. The members subscribed $60,000 worth of stock, the same being
divided into shares of $50 each, and the organization was to continue
fifty years. The first Trustees were Albert Reynolds, W. S. Ayres,
Robert M. Strait, J. C. Blake and William Braden. The operations of
the company were to be carried on at Monticello. At the same time, the
Monticello Lumbering k Barrel Heading Manufacturing Company was
created, the most of the members also belonging to the Hydraulic Com-
pany. These companies have greatly added to the industrial interests
centering at Monticello. The paper mill below town and in Carroll
County is one of the results.
The Banking Business. — In 1871-72, a private banking business was
begun, a comparatively new man in the town, one J. C. Wilson, becom-
ing President. A number of the best citizens were connected with this
bank during the time from its origin until it became the First National
Bank of Monticello in the winter of 1874-75. The announced capital was
$25,000 ; but owing to dissensions which arose among the members, and
to other causes which are largely speculative, the bank failed to realize
the expectations of its founders, or gain the entire confidence of the pub-
lic. This led to its transformation into the First National Bank. The
new stockholders were as follows: John Burns, $1,000 ; R. Hughes,
$1,600; J. D. Timmons, $1,000; J. E. Loughry, $1,000,C. C. Spen-
96 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
cer, $1,600 ; William Spencer, $1,600 ; C. W. Kendall, |1,600 ; Jo-
seph Kious, $1,600; L. M. Burns, $1,600; Lowe Brothers, $3,100
W. W. Reynolds, $5,000 ; Irvin Greer, $1,000 ; Perry Spencer, $1,000 ;
Jephtha Crouch, $500 ; and the balance to make $50,000 was owned by
J. C. Wilson and A. W. Reynolds. The bank from the start had the
entire confidence of the community, and within about eight months the
deposits amounted to $110,000. In a short time, internal troubles arose,
and the members began to dispose of their stock and withdraw. Deposi-
tors lost confidence and called for their money. The Herald began to
suggest that all was not right. It became evident that Wilson, and per-
haps others, was speculating in wheat, horses, wool, etc., very likely with
the money belonging to the bank, and it likewise became evident that
heavy reverses had been met. Serious complaints arrived from distant
parts, which involved the credit of the bank. The Herald continued its
criticisms and denunciations, and was finally notified that suit had been
commenced against it for criminal libel, the damages claimed amounting
to $20,000. But the paper showed this to be a clever dodge to escape
the charges of unlawful, at least improper, behavior, and continued with
no abatement in the severity of its articles. In June, 1879, the bank
closed its doors, the President, J. C. Wilson, absconded to Canada, and
a number of stockholders, depositors and creditors clamored in vain for
their money. A receiver was appointed, various law suits were instituted,
and thus the matter remains at present.
The present Citizens' Bank of Monticello was founded in May, 1882,
by E. H. Shirk, a citizen of Peru, Ind., and W. E. McLean, the former
acting as President and the latter as Cashier, and the two being the only
stockholders. W. W. McColloch is Assistant Cashier. The bank has a
strong safe, with a time lock, and has the entire confidence of the com-
munity.
Miscellaneous Items. — Among the miscellaneous items and organiza-
tions in Monticello are the following : A brass band was formed in 1848,
and for about two years the citizens were regaled with the choicest music.
The members were R. A. Spencer, R. W. Sill, Charles Dodge, J. R.
Willey, William Braught, M. A. Berkey, W. Rifenberrick, Z. Van Buskirk
and 0. McConahay. The money to purchase the instruments was sub-
scribed by the citizens.
In about 1874, Union Township voted aid to the Narrow Gauge Rail-
road to the amount of $25,400, the subscription to be taken as stock.
The road was built, but became a broad gauge, and is now known as the
Indianapolis, Delphi & Chicago Railroad. The citizens are endeavoring
to escape the obligation upon the ground that the company did not comply
with the requirements of the contract. The first train that passed through
UNION TOWNSHIP. 97
Monticello and over the Tippecanoe River was in December, 1859. This
was on the Logansport, Peoria & Burlington Railroad. Trains had been
running to Monticello from Reynolds Station, some time before. On t he
16th of July, 1878, between 1 and 2 o'clock P. M., an engine and twenty-
two freight cars broke through the west span of the railroad bridge at Mon-
ticello, killing the engineer and the bridgewatchman, and wounding three
or four others. The caboose, in which there were several men and
women, was saved from going down by the putting-on of the brakes.
Among the additions to Monticello are Walker, Reynolds & Jenner's,
1836 ; John Barr, County Agent, 1837 ; J. C. Reynolds' First, Second,
Third and Fourth Additions ; Snyder's, 1860, and Van Voorst's, 1860 ;
and others later.
In November, 1881, the Monticello Marriage Endowment Associa-
tion was created, but up to this writing no visible effects are apparent.
Ineorporafion and Town Officers. — The first incorporation of Mon-
ticello took place in 1853, when the completion of the New Albany &
Salem Railroad through the county gave a decided advance to all im-
provements. Reynolds at this time sprang into life and unusual activity,
and her citizens confidently predicted the removal of the county seat there.
The rapid increase in population and general development there, and the
unwavering confidence of the citizens, created no little alarm in the
breasts of the inhabitants of Monticello, who resolved to resist the re-
moval by all means in their power. This led to the belief that the in-
corporation of Monticello would greatly decrease the liability of removal,
and in response to this sentiment the plan was carried into effect, the fol-
lowing officers being elected : Trustees, Jacob Hanaway, Ferdinand
Keifhaber, William S. Haymond, A. V. Reed and John Wilson; Mar-
shal, Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor, John R. Willey. This state of
affairs continued about one year, and was then abandoned by mutual con-
sent, no other officers being elected. The second incorporation, which
has endured until the present, was effected in 1862, chiefly through the in-
strumentality of Alfred Orton. In response to the petition presented,
numerously signed by the citizens, the Commissioners ordered that an
election of five Trustees, one Clerk and Assessor, and one Treasurer and
Marshal, should be held at the court house in April, 1862. This elec-
tion resulted as follows : Trustees, A. Hanawalt, Z. Van Buskirk, James
Wallace, John Saunders and D. K. Ream ; Treasurer and Marshal, W.
H. Parcels ; Clerk and Assessor, Milton M. Sill.
In 1868 the following officers were t:>lected : Trustees, W. J. Gridley,
Samuel Hcckendorn, David McCuaig, Isaac Reynolds and Cassius M.
Fisk ; Treasurer, and Marshal, W. E. Saunderson ; Clerk and Assessor,
P. R. Failing.
98 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
For 1864— Trustees, Samuel Heckendorn, W. J. Gridley, C. M.
Fisk, Isaac Reynolds and D. McCuaig ; Treasurer and Marshal, Will-
iam Reese; Clerk and Assessor, D. D. Dale.
For 1865— Trustees, Samuel Heckendorn, C. M. Fisk, W. J. Grid-
ley, D. K. Ream and D. McCuaig ; Clerk and Assessor, D. D. Dale
and W. E. Saunderson ; Treasurer and Marshal, William Reese.
For 1866 — Trustees, W. S. Haymond, J. A. Wood, John Saunders,
William Keefer and A. F. Howard ; Treasurer and Marshal, D. K.
Ream ; Clerk and Assessor, A. W. Reynolds.
For 1867 — Trustees, John Saunders, William Keefer, W. S. Hay-
mond, F. A. Howard and J. A. Wood ; Treasurer and Marshal, 0. S.
Dale : Clerk and Assessor, A. W. Reynolds.
For 1868 — Trustees, W. S. Haymond, John Saunders, A. F. Howard,
S. Heckendorn and E. Bennett; Treasurer and Marshal, 0. S. Dale;
Clerk and Assessor, Robert Gregory.
For 1869 — Trustees, S. Heckendorn, A. F. Howard, E. Bennett,
W. R. Davis and D. Berkey; Treasurer and Marshal, James A. Mc-
Conahay.; Clerk and Assessor, Robert Gregory.
For 1870 — Trustees, S. Heckendorn, A. F. Howard E. Bennett,
W. R. Davis and David Berkey ; Treasurer and Marshal, D. McCuaig ;
Clerk and Assessor, Robert Gregory.
For 1871 — Trustees, Michael Hogan, David McCuaig, Mathew Hen-
derson, Martin Wirtz and W. R. Davis ; Treasurer and Marshal, W. F.
Ford ; Clerk and Assessor, Robert Gregory.
For 1872— Trustees, John B. Harbolt, H. P. Bennett, David Mc-
Cuaig, M. Henderson and M. Wirtz ; Treasurer and Marshal, B. F.
Ritchey ; Clerk and Assessor, E. B. Sellers.
For 1873- Trustees, David McCuaig, M. Henderson, M. Wirtz,
J. B. Harbolt and J. B. Barnes ; Treasurer and Marshal, B. F. Richey ;
Clerk and Assessor, E. B. Sellers.
For 1874— Trustees, D. McCuaig, M. Wirtz, M. Henderson, J. B.
Harbolt and J. A. McConahay ; Treasurer and Marshal, Michael Ho-
gan ; Clerk and Assessor, Emory B. Sellers.
For 1875 — Trustees, D. McCuaig, J. A. Vinson, J. A. McConahay,
John McConnell and Bucklin Warden ; Treasurer and Marshal, ;
Clerk and Assessor, W. P. Crowell.
For 1876— Trustees, Samuel P. Cowger, J. M. Turner, E. Bennett,
B. Warden and J. A. McConahay; Treasurer and Marshal, M, Hogan ;
Clerk and Assessor, B. F. Ross.
For 1877 — Trustees, Esau Bennett, J. M. Turner, John Large, J.
C. Wilson and John Miller ; Treasurer and Marshal, B. Fox ; Clerk
and Assessor, S. P. Cowger.
ASENATH Price
THS NEW YOKK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
AST-
UNION TOWNSHIP. 99
For 1878— Trustees, J. C. Wilson, John M. Turner, John H.
Switzer, R. W. Christy and William Imes ; Treasurer and Marshal —
B. F. Ross ; Clerk and Assessor, Frank Bofinger.
For 1879— Trustees, J. C. Wilson, J. M. Turner, J. H. Switzer,
Alpheus Bennett and R. W. Christy ; Treasurer and Marshal, B. F.
Ross ; Clerk and Assessor, Frank Bofinger.
For 1880 — Trustees, James Gardner, Matthew Massena, Milton M.
Sill, Samuel B. Bushnell and Richard Imes ; Marshal, Benjamin
Reynolds ; Clerk and Assessor, T. T. Palmer ; Treasurer, W. R.
Harvey.
For 1881 — Trustees, Richard Imes, J. M. Gardner, Samuel Miller,
A. Hanawalt and W. E. Uhl ; Marshal, Edward Reynolds ; Treasurer,
Alpheus Bennett ; Clerk, Curtis D. Meeker.
For 1882 — Trustees, A. Hanawalt, Samuel Miller, John McCon-
nell, W. E. Uhl and Richard Imes; Marshal. Francis MuUendore;
Treasurer, A. Bennett ; Clerk, W. P. Crowell.
The following is the report of the Treasurer of Monticello for the
year ending April 25, 1873 :
RECKIPTS.
General tax collected $1,998 78
Same from former Treasurer (33 27
Amouutoflicens-es 38 00
Amount of fines 2 00
Special school tax collected 2,068 46
Same from former Treasurer 75 86
Road tax collected 25 35
Same from former Treasurer 51 87
Total $4, .",23 09
EXPENDITURES
Orders redeemed |1,757 38
Interest on orders 48 04
Fire expense 91 36
Coupons redeemed 1,980 00
Interest on coupons 137 89
Expended on streets 76 72
Total $4,091 39
Balance on hand 231 70
General fund, delinquent 230 81
Special school fund, delinquent 192 29
Proceedings of the Town Board. — The first regulation to prevent
drunkenness on the streets or in the town was passed in November,
1866, and inflicted a fine of not less than $5, nor more than $10, upon
the law-breaker. In February, 1868, the liquor license was fixed at
$100. The Monticello Hook and Ladder Company filed articles of as-
7
38512R
100 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
sociation in March, 1869, which were approved by the Town Board.
Arrangements were made to appoint proper Fire Wardens and to require
of property holders that they should keep on hand buckets, ladders, etc»
E. J. C. Hilderbrand made the fire wagon for |150. The town receipts
for the year ending April, 1869, were $767.57, and the disbursements
$963.63. John Saunders and Mr. Cherrie built the Hook and Ladder
building for |165 in 1869. This was the time the school bonds were
issued. The Fire Wardens ordinance was finally passed in 1872-73.
The fire bell was purchased in 1875 for $137. In 1878-80, the Town
Board were hauled over the coals about the school bond business, though
nothing had been done by them except neglecting to take Wilson's bond
before he was intrusted with the new corporate bonds.
Early Newspai^ers. — The first newspaper published in White County
was the Prairie Chieftain, the first issue appearing July 3, 1849, with
A. V. Reed and John K. Lovejoy, editors, publishers and proprietors.
The office was in the second story of the old court house, now used as a
wagon shop on Main street, by Mr. Switzer. Mr. Lovejoy was connect-
ed with the paper a short time, and then transferred his interest to John
Carothers, who remained Mr. Reed's partner until 1854, when the last
issue of the Chieftain appeared. The paper had met with fair patronage
from members of all parties, though politically it was Democratic. As
was the custom in those days, the county local afiairs were largely disre-
garded by the Chieftain, whose editors filled its columns with long windy
Congressional or political speeches, messages of the'President to Congress,
and miscellaneous articles tastefully constructed. It remained for papers
of a later date to condense the State and National news, and invent and
render valuable the "local department." The Chieftain was immedi-
ately succeeded by the RegiMer, edited by B. F. Tilden, and published
on the south side of the square by R. J. Parker. This paper, though
well conducted for that day, did not fully satisfy public expectation,
owing mainly to the unstable condition of political afiairs and not to any
fault of the proprietors. Early in 1856, it was succeded by the Polit-
ical Frame, published by R. W. Sill ; but in March, 1857, H. C. Kirk
assumed control, continuing until the autumn of 1857, when the paper
became the White County JacTcsonian, edited and published by John G.
Scott. At the expiration of a little more than a year, Mr. Scott discon-
tinued the Jacksonian, announcing editorially that " our brightest hopes
have been canceled by a full realization of everything hoped for." That
somewhat obscure ^statement is regarded by some as an artful piece of
satire to conceal the fact that the editor had hoped for nothing. Mr.
James W. McEwen was the next editor of the paper, assuming control
in March, 1859, and changing the name to the White County Democrat.
UNION TOWNSHIP. 101
The paper during the war, though sometimes severe in its denunciations
of the course pursued by the administration of Mr. Lincoln, did not re-
sort to that ofiensive extremity which caused the military authorities of
the State to suppress many Democratic sheets throughout Indiana.
Scurrilous personalties, however, gave the paper no little notoriety,
though they usually appeared over the non de plume of correspondents.
In July, 1863, N. C. A. Rayhouser became a partner of Mr. McEwen's,
and the name of the paper was changed to the Constitutionalist ; but at
the end of about six months, Mr. Rayhouser sold out, or at least got out,
and Mr. McEwen continued alone until June, 1870, when he was joined
by A. P. Kerr, who also sold his interest in August, 1873, Mr. McEwen
remaining again alone. The office was finally sold to William B.
Hoover, at whose death the issue was continued by Jasper Keyes. About
two years ago, the office was partly destroyed by fire, and the publication
of the paper was abandoned for a period, though the Monticello Times
published by C. J. Reynolds, soon took its place, but ceased to appear in
January, 1882. On the 16th of June, 1882, Owens & Uhl issued the
first number of tlie WJiite County Democrat, really the successor of the
Democratic patronage of the county, though the editors refused to recog-
nize any relationship between their organ and papers of Democratic pro-
clivities previously issued. In January, 1883, Mr. Uhl sold his interest
to Mr. Owens, who is yet sole owner and proprietor. The Democrat is
newsy, ably conducted, and has a large circulation.
James and Benjamin Spencer issued the first number of
the Monticello Spectator on the 12th of May, 1859. The paper
was Republican, politically, and was a credit to the editors and to the
county. It never received the support it deserved, and was finally com-
pelled to suspend in February, 1862, owing to a lack of patronage.
Milton M. Sill purchased the office, and issued the first number of the
Monticello Herald February 14, 1862, continuing until October, 1863,
when J. G. Staley took charge of the office, but sold out the following
January to A. H. Harrit. In February, 1865, W. H. Dague purchased
a one-half interest, and in the following August Mr. Harrit withdrew,
leaving Mr. Dague sole owner and proprietor. In the autumn of 1869,
the office was purchased by S. P. Conner, and in 1870 W. J. Huff se-
cured a part interest. Mr. Conner left in the fall of 1870, leaving Mr.
Huff sole editor and owner. In November, 1874, J. B. Van Buskirk be-
came associated with Mr. Huff, and thus the paper remains at present.
The Herald presents a bright face, is skillfully managed, has an extensive
circulation, and is fii'mly founded.
On the 13th of April, 1878, appeared the first number of
the National, a weekly paper, six-column folio, subscription price
102 ' HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
$1.50 per year ; editor and proprietor, Jacob C. Smith. The paper has
been regularly issued since, and has steadily advocated the principles of
the 'Greenback party. Attempts have been made to " fuse " it into one
or the other of the old parties, but without success. It has a fair circula-
tion and a paying patronage of job work.
Secret Societies. — Libanus Lodge, No. 154, F., & A. M., of Monti-
cello, received its dispensation on the 1st of April, 1853. Its charter
bears date May 23, 1854. The first officers were: F. G. Kendall, W. M.;
J. W. Bulger, S. W.; William Russell, J. W.; C. W. Kendall, Secretary;
A. Yunt, Treasurer; W. B. Gray, S. D.; Ralph Spencer, J. D.; W. C.
May, Tiler. It has prospered fairly since that early day. The present
membership is something over fifty, and the lodge property is valued at
about $500. The present officers are : W. S. Bushnell, W. M.; S. B.
Bushnell, S. W.; T. F. Palmer, J. W.; M. M. Sill, Secretary; Israel
Nordyke, Treasurer; M. T. Didlake, S. D.; J. R. Van Voorst, J. D.;
Elisha Warden, Tiler.
Monticello Lodge, No. 107, I. 0. 0. F., was granted a dispensation
January 23, 1852, and was instituted on the 30th of the same month and
year, the charter members being M. R. Sheets, J. T. Ritchey, W. R.
Davis, J. R. Lovejoy, Samuel Barnes, R. C. Kirk and D. T. Spears.
The first officers were: William Davis, N. G.; D. T. Spears, V. G.; J. R.
Lovejoy, Secretary; J. T. Ritchey, Treasurer. The present membership
is forty-seven.
Rebekah Degree, Eudora. No. 201, was organized in December, 1879
the members being William Parcels and wife, James Hay and wife, S
B. Bushnell and wife, R. L. Harvey and wife, William Spencer, H. V.'
Spencer.
Stewart Encampment, No. 159, was organized in December, 1882,
with the following first members : R. L. Harvey, T. F. Palmer, S. B.
Bushnell, D. McCuaig, J. C. Hughes, Orlando McClintock, Robert
Nicewander and George Uhl. The present membership is fourteen.
Monticello Lodge, No. 73, K. of P., was established February 2, 1877.
The present membership is fifty-one. The officers are: E. P. Roberts, P.
C; J. C. Rufing, C. C; P. D. Bennett, V. C; J. R. Van Voorst, Prelate;
William Guthrie, M. of E.; J. Y. Stevenson, M. of F.; Z. T. Bennett,
K. of R. S.; William Dunklebarger, M. at A.; John Beiderwolf, I. G.;
B. F.. Bierly, 0. G.; H. P. Owens, Z. T. Bennett and E. R. Gardner,
Trustees ; H. P. Owens, D. D. G. C. The lodge is in a prosperous con-
dition. The charter members were as follows : John H. Wallace, Emory
B. Sellers, Henry P. Owens, James V. Vinson, Irvin Greer, Henry Sny-
der, John C. Hughes, Isaiah Bisher, Taylor Bennett, John T. Roach,
Washington Kuntz, George Baxter, Frank Roberts, Thomas J. Woltz,
UNION TOWNSHIP. 103
William R. Harvey, William Spencer, James E, Howard, Josiah Purcell,
John T. Ford, John H. Peet, Albert W. Loughry, John H. Burns, T.
Fayette Palmer, Samuel Fenters.
An organization called the Sovereigns of the Red Star was established
at Monticello in May, 1882, the object of which was the protection of its
members from the use of strong drink. The members were J. C. Brown,
Abner Cochell, J. S. Wigmore, Nate Benjamin, E. Wheaton, R. L. Har-
vey, John Grub, W. J. Gridley, James Grim, Jesse Spencer, H. D.
Replogle, John Donavin, D. B. Ford, Richard Runkle, W. W. Pettit,
Joseph Young, W. F. Ford, J. M. Perkins and Charles C. Davis. The
society is secret in its workings. The order should receive substan-
tial encouragement from the citizens of the town, as its object is surely in
the right direction.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union has an organization in
town, which is in excellent working order, and is doing much good, though
its field of labor should be extended.
Tippecanoe Post, No. 51, G. A. R., of Monticello, was organized
March 31, 1882, by Judge J. H. Gould, of Delphi, Deputy Mustering
OflScer. On organization, the membership consisted of twelve members,
and the first officers were: John C. Brown, Post Commander ; Geoi'ge AV.
Robertson, Senior Vice Commander; James M. McBeth, Junior Vice
Commander; Robert G. Clark, Surgeon; Rev. J. B. Smith, Chaplain ;
John H. Burns, Officer of the Day; L. G. Kenton, Officer of the Guard;
Mahlon H. Smith, Adjutant. The present officers are: George Lhl,
Post Commander ; John H. Wallace, Senior Vice Commander ; Thomas
A. Robinson, Junior Vice Commander ; Henry VanA^oorst, Quartermas-
ter; John C. Brown, Officer of the Day; David S. Rhodes, Officer of the
Guard ; S. B. Bushnell, Adjutant; James M. McBeth, Sergeant Major ;
Isaac Price, Commissary Sergeant ; Rev. J. B. Smith, Chaplain. The
present membership is fifty-seven, and the organization meets in the hall
of the A. 0. U. W., on the second and fourth Friday evenings of each
month.
Early Schools in Monticello. — In commencing an account of the
schools of Monticello, no better can be done than the publication of the
following selected portion of an essay on the early schools of White
County, read before a Teachers' Institute at Monticello a few years ago,
by Milton M. Sill, one of the county's oldest and most respected citizens:
In the year 1835, a frame schoolhouse was erected at Monticello, on
the present site of Mr. Nordyke's residence, twenty by thirty feet in
length, with all the modern appliances, including iron latches and hinges
for the door and sash and glass lights for the windows, which were care-
fully placed near the roof lest some wicked boy should drive his fist
104 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
tlirougli them, for the glass was scarce then and high priced. This build-
ing answered the purpose of a church, also, for ten years, during which
time there was no church edifice in the place. Mathias Davis, father of
Mrs. David McCuaig, was the first teacher, and continued several terms
of three months each, until about the year 1838, when he returned to his
home in Carroll County and remained there two years, when he again
took the Newell School in Big Creek Township. He was succeeded in
the Monticello School by William Cahill, who taught one term. Mr.
Cahill was a very clever gentleman and a scholar, but he lacked muscle
and nerve. He was succeeded by Mr. Montgomery, a sprig of Green
Erin (many of the scholars thought him much more than a sprig).
He introduced the rawhide whip into our school and used it on the least
provocation. His administration is memorable for the assault made by
him on one of his pupils (Erastus Gray), which resulted in his arrest and
incarceration in the county jail. He whipped the poor boy until the blood
literally ran down his back, and yet many justified the act and censured
the boy's father for causing his arrest. He was followed by James Kelley,
also an Irishman, but the opposite of his predecessor in disposition and
without his mental acquirements. James Givens succeeded Kelly and
taught several terms with satisfactory results. At this time, there had
been but one attempt upon the part of a female teacher to open a pub-
lic school. Miss Fannie Carter, a lady of rare accomplishments and
of fair executive ability, opened a subscription school, and though a
strong prejudice existed at that time against female teachers, she suc-
ceeded for three successive terms in carrying on her school and did
much good.
Shortly after the close of Mr. Givens' school, Ranson McConahay
was splected to teach the Monticello School. He and his brother David
had been teaching in the southern part of the county, while his nephew
David (now living at Idaville), had taught in Liberty Township in what
was known as the Elston neighborhood. All of them had the reputation
of being able and successful teachers, which was fully justified by him in
the management of the school here. At the close of his term, a long va-
cation ensued, and the parents were divided in opinion, some insisting on
a lady teacher, others preferring a male. In the confusion existing, Mrs.
Moore, a widow lady, announced her intention of occupying the school-
house on a certain Monday. On the Sabbath preceding, the parties op-
posing her sent a messenger to Pittsburg, in Carroll County, with power
to employ a teacher and bring him forthwith to occupy the house in dis-
pute. The result was the employment of a Mr. DeLaplane, and install-
ing him as teacher in the schoolhouse at 4 o'clock, Monday morning,
an hour unprecedentedly early for school, and upon the arrival of Mrs.
UNION TOWNSHIP. 105
Moore, at the regular hour, he had proceeded so far as to have heard the
dozen scholars with which he was surrounded recite three or four lessons
each, and, with no prospect of a recess, was still continuing to muster them
for further recitation. The lady indignantly demanded possession, which
he ungallantly refused to give, and held the fort through a storm of
threats and abuse from her and her friends on the one side, until re-en-
forced by his backers. A truce was then called, which resulted in the
final loss of the school to both, and Lucius Pierce was the successful ap-
plicant. Ha instituted in place of the rod for punishment the ferule,
and the refractory pupil was punished by banishment to a lonely bench in
a remote corner, where, after due time given for reflection, he was brought
out and tortured in proportion to the enormity of crime committed,
which was from three to ten strokes of the ruler in the open palm of the
left hand. Decided progress was made by the scholars under the teach-
ing of Mr. Pierce, who continued with slight lapses for two years, his
brothers also teaching both at Monticello and in other parts of the
county.
Prof. G-eorge Bowman s School. — In the fall of 1846, Prof. George
Bowman began his career as a teacher in White County. He intro-
duced the studies of Natural Philosophy, Astronomy, Algebra and Latin,
and for the first time the scholars had the opportunity of acquiring some-
thing more than the fundamental principles of an English education. New
books were introduced and the cause of education rapidly advanced under
his efficient and faithful management. Blackboards, until then unheard
of, now adorned the walls of the school room ; the art of composition
and declamation was cultivated and pupils were required to give reasons
and illustrations in support of theory.
Mr. Bowman removed to Delphi in the fall of 1850, and as no teacher
of sufficient experience and learning could be secured to take his place,
the cause of education somewhat languished after his departure. It was
probably about this time that an effort was made to built a brick school-
building near where Israel Nordyke now lives. Whether the house was
to be erected with the county seminary funds under the laws regarding
that institution, or whether it was to be built wholly as a schoolhouse for the
district of Monticello, cannot be certainly learned, though it is a matter of
history that the building was completed as far up as the tops of the lower
windows, and then, owing to the failure of subscribers to advance the funds
promised, the work was abandoned and the material soon afterward re-
moved. There was a period during the '50's when the old schoolhouse of
1835 could not accommodate the children seeking education, and in conse-
quence various private or subscription schools where opened in other
buildings in the town. Besides this, only the fundamental branches were
106 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
taught in the schoolhouse, whereas, in the interest created by Mr. Bow-
man there was a strong demand for the higher branches. An excellent
school was taught in the Democrat building, among the teachers being
Maria Hutton and Mrs. Dr. Haymond, both women of excellent mental
and moral endowments.
The return of Mr. Bowman in 1859 revived the interest in the
higher branches, and arrangements were made to provide him with suffi-
cient and suitable facilities for teaching. The old warehouse built by
was re-arranged, fitted up, and divided into roorps, and the
teacher and his scholars, after the school had begun, hoisted the bell to
the top of the building, where it regularly marked the passage of
time. Here Mr. Bowman and two assistants taught until the summer of
1862, when the former enlisted and went out to fight his country's battles.
This was known as the Monticello Graded School ; but the citizens of the
town deserve no credit for its commencement or continuance, as its
management was wholly under the control of the Principal who established
the grades, admitted students from wherever they might come, and fixed
the tuition and the courses of study. There were three departments :
Primary, Middle and Higher. The Primary comprised First and Second
Readers, orthography, writing and mental arithmetic ; Middle — Third
and Fourth Readers, geography, arithmetic to fractions, Primary-
Grammar, penmanship and orthography ; Higher — Advanced arithme-
tic, algebra, grammar, geography, histoiry of the United States, ge-
ometiy, Latin and Greek. Students were prepared for college. Mr.
Bowman carried a class of young men and women through all these higher
studies, and it is safe to say that no school in the town before or since
surpassed his in the advance made or the interest manifested. His
assistants in 1860 were Miss Mary Bowman in the Primary Department,
and H. H. Tedford in the Intermediate. After he enlisted, Mr. Harrit
took his place, and continued the school with but little abatement in in-
terest or decrease in numbers. He was succeeded by Mr. Bowman, and
he in turn by Revs. William Irelan and William Hanawalt, two men well
known to the teachers and preachers of White County for their piety,
learning and social worth.
High School Building. — On the 29th of January, 1869, H. P. An-
derson and Lucius Pierce, School Trustees of Monticello, presented a
petition to the Town Board praying that a specified amount of corporate
bonds should be issued to defray the expense of constructing a new school
building; whereupon, on motion of H. S. Haymond the following ordi-
nance was passed and ordered printed in the Constitutionalist.
Section 1. Beit Ordained by the^ Trustees of the Incorporated Town of Monticello,
While County, Indiana, That ^for the purpose of advancing educational interests in. the
UNION TOWNSHIP. 107
town and county aforesaid, the Board of Trustees hereby order issued to the School
Trustees of Monficello, twenty tliousand dollars' worth of coupon bond^ of the de-
nomination of one hundred dollars each, with interest at the rate of ten per cent per
annum from date ; and the interest upon said bonds is to be paid by the Treasurer of
said corporation, at his office in said town ; and said bonds are made redeemable at the
pleasure of said corporation after two years and within ten years after the issue thereof.
Section 2. It is declared that an emergency exists for the immediate taking effect
of this ordinance ; therefore it shall be in force from and after its passage.
The bonds were issued, sold, and with the proceeds one of the finest
brick school structures in the northwestern part of the State was erected,
the work being completed in the summer of 1870, The first session in the
new building began September 20, 1870, the School Trustees at
the time being H. P. Anderson, W. S. Haymond and C. W.
Kendall. . I. M. Gross was employed as Principal, and Albert S.
Nordyke, James McBeth, Annie Henderson, and Lodie Reed,
Assistants, a most excellent corps of teachers. Among the sub-
sequent Principals have been J. A. VanLandingham in 1873; J.
R. Owens in 1874, and J. G. Royer, the present competent man, in 1876.
Other Assistants have been Columbia E. Logan, 1874 ; Sanford John-
sonbaugh and Emma Palmer, 1876 ; Sallie Dill and Jennie Gardner, in
1880.
The following is the enrollment and average attendance up to the pres-
ent time, except for the first two years :
No. en- Av. daily at-
rolled. tendance.
1873-74 157 119
1874-75 v34 146
1875-76 232 153
1876-77 293 178
1877-78 321 181
1878-79 366 196
1879-80 385 227
1880-81 381 234
1881-82 377 248
1882-83 376* 275
School Bonds. — The School Bonds of 1869 called for interest at the
rate of ten per cent — more than the citizens wanted to pay, and in 1878
measures were taken to refund them at seven per cent. New bonds
to the amount of $21,000 were issued and placed in the hands
of J. C. Wilson for negotiation, but although the bonds were soon
sold, the proceeds were not forthcoming. The Herald first took up the
matter, and intimated that as Mr. Wilson had been required to give no
bond for the faithful performance of his duties as agent, there was abund-
ant opportunity for the corporation to be defrauded out of the entire pro-
ceeds of the sale of the new bonds. After much controversy, Mr. Wilson
♦Partial Report
108 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
entered into bond with approved security, which afterward proved to be
comparatively worthless. The Herald continued its lampoons, and de-
serves great credit for its eiforts, though its warnings were mainly un-
heeded. The First National Bank, of which Wilson was a prominent
member, closed its doors, and Wilson departed for Canada, and Monticello
was left with a bonded school debt of about $40,000, of which
twenty-one thousand was drawing seven per cent interest, and the remain-
der ten per cent interest. The excitement about this time was at fever
heat, and Wilson's name was in high odor. The Herald appropriately
said, "I told you so." Suit was instituted against Wilson's bondsmen,
and also against M. L. Bundy, Receiver of the First National Bank,
to recover $10,000, which was alleged to have been deposited by
Wilson as agent from the proceeds of the sale of the refunded bonds.
About $7,000 was recovered by the latter suit, but so far nothing
from the former. It was also decided to resist the payment of
the interest and principal of the refunded bonds. This was accordingly
done, and suit was brought against the corporation by A. L. Merrill to
collect on the new bonds. A recent decision of the court renders the new
bonds invalid, upon the ground that "municipal corporations have no
power to issue or make commercial paper. That power must come from
the Legislature. The town had no authority at the time to refund its
debt." It is probable now that the payment of the new bonds will be avoid-
ed, though the question is not definitely settled.
School Trustees. — Among the School Trustees since the incorpora-
tion of the town have been : Richard Brown, 1862; H. P. Anderson,
1863; J. A. Wood, 1864; A. Hanawalt, 1864 ; Ira Kingsbury, 1865;
W. S. Davis, 1865 ; Lucius Pierce, 1866; M. A. Kerr, 1867; W. J.
Oridley, 1868 ; William Davis, 1869 ; C. W. Kendall, 1870 ; A. W.
Reynolds, 1871 : J. S. Hurtt, 1871; Thomas Bushnell, 1873; A. Hanawalt,
1873 ; F. M. Mullendore, 1873 ; Robert J. Clark, 1874 ; M. M. Sill, 1875 ;
A. Hanawalt, 1875; S. B. Bushnell, 1875; J. H. McCollum, 1876; A.
Hanawalt, 1877 ; Samuel Heckendorn, 1878 ; J. H. McCollum, 1879 ; W.
S. Bushnell; 1880; Samuel Heckendorn, 1881; J. B. Smith, 1883.
Monticello has an excellent school. For a number of years, Teachers' In-
stitutes have been held in all the townships and at Monticello, and the re-
sult is manifested in a higher system of professional work. The County
Superintendent, William Guthrie, a young man of excellent natural qual-
ifications, is steadily raising the grade of professional endowments.
Early Religious Organizations. — Ministers of the Presbyterian and
the Baptist Churches appeared about the same time in Monticello, and at
a very early day. It is stated that Robert Rothrock often said that the
first sermon preached in Monticello was about the time the town was laid
UNION TOWNSHIP. 109
out, which would be in the autumn of 1834. A circuit rider named
Stalker, a very worthy man, and a consistent Christian, who preached day
and night nearly all the time, traveling around from cabin to cabin, and
collecting at each place what the settlers were disposed to give him, held
an open-air meeting about where Mr. Heckendorn's residence stands, his
pulpit being a little mound of earth near a small patch of hazel brush, and
his congregation being limited to about a half-dozen persons. This man
visited the county seat after that about once a month until February,
1836, when a small class was formally organized, a number of members
joining by letter and a few by their confession of faith. The following
were the first members : Zebulon Sheets and his wife, mother and son ;
John Reese and his wife, Elizabeth, and his mother, Margaret, and his
sisters Martha and Elizabeth ; Okey S. Johnson and Rebecca, his wife,
and Catharine, his sister; Lewis Dawson; Bethsheba Cowan and her three
daughters, Rhoda, Bethsheba and Margaret ; Jonathan Harbolt and wife,
Asa Allen and his wife, Mary Ann. Perhaps a few others were among
the first members. Others who joined immediately afterward were Mrs.
Parker, Maria Wilson and John Wilson. This class met after this quite
regularly at Wilson's cabin, west of town, though often at the houses of
other members. As soon as the old schoolhouse was completed, services
were held there the most of the time. M. M. Sill says this house was
erected in 1835, but others fix the date a year later. The writer inclines
to the latter opinion. In 1837, the membership had become sufficient to
warrant some action regarding the erection of a church. The County
Commissioners were asked to donate a suitable lot, which they did under
the following conditions : The house to be finished and ready for occu-
pancy within two years, or the lot to revert to the county. The members
and all others interested were asked to subscribe what they felt able to
give, and it seemed at first as if the construction of the house was a cer-
tainty, but some of the most prominent members refused to assist in erect-
ing the building on land which had some chance of reverting to the coun-
ty, and finally the whole attempt was abandoned.
Nothing further of note transpired until January, 1843, when Rev.
Samuel N. Steele, an eloquent evangelist, came to the town and began
holding a series of revival meetings, advocating in a most effective man-
ner the doctrines of the New School Presbyterians. It was a time of the
most fervent religious zeal, and within two months the class formed num-
bered nearly one hundred members, drawing its supply from the Old
School Presbyterians, the Baptists, the Methodists and from the ranks of
Atheism and other non-professional organizations. Among the first to
join the new class were Thomas Downey, Catharine Downey, John Wil-
son, Maria Wilson, Okey S. Johnson, Rebecca Johnson, Ellis 11. John-
110 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
son, Catharine Rothrock, Mary Reynolds, Jane Reynolds, Catharine
Johnson, Elizabeth Burns and Sarah Kepperling. This really constitut-
ed the first class, though others joined at meetings held the same even-
ing and the following day and days. Among these members were J. C.
Reynolds, H. R. Wagoner, E. W, K. Beck, Sarah Snyder, Hannah
Johnson, Jane Rank, L. Meredith, Caroline Bott, Susan Shuck, Susan
Ream, Harriet Ream, Isaac Reynolds, George Snyder, John Turner,
William Turner, Mary Turner, Perry Turner, Samuel Burns, Martha
Burns, Mary Burns, G. W. Bank, J. W. Johnson, Richard Imes, Will-
iam Imes, William Braught, Nancy Price, Nancy Ream, E. C. Ream, J.
A. Clark, Angeline Clark, C. W. Kendall, Margaret Logan, Mary Logan
and many others. The two classes of Presbyterians — Old School and
New School — began building churches about the same time — in 1843 ;
but the latter being much the stronger, completed its house in 1844, while
the former did not complete its work until three or four years later. Both
were frame houses ; one is now used by the Baptists and the other is used
as a barn by Dr. Robinson, near the center of the town. The latter was
the New School Church. The lots were donated by the county.
Zebulon Sheets was the first Elder of the Old School class, having
been elected in 1836. H. R. Wagoner and Hannah Johnson were the
first baptized. At the time the New School class was formed, the Old
School class was reduced to thirteen members, and the Baptists and
Methodists suffered likewise. Rev. W. M. Cheever succeeded Steele as
pastor of the New School class, and was, in turn, succeeded in 1848 by
Rev. G. D. Miller. Rev. Lowery, a missionary, visited the Presby-
terians as early as 1835. He conducted his meetings at the cabin of
Orwig. Among the New School ministers were Neal, McBride, Black,
Wilmer, Jones, Seewright and J. B. Smith. The classes continued
separate until about twelve years ago, when they were united. The new
brick church, which is yet unfinished, though occupied, has already cost
$12,000, and will cost an additional $3,000 before completed. It is one
of the finest edifices of the kind in Northern Indiana. Among the Old
School ministers were Edwards, Williamson, Wampler, Kouts, Irvin.
Sunday schools were organized soon after the classes were established.
Mr. Heckendorn relates that at one of the early Presbyterian meetings,
four or five Indians entered, took seats and remained attentive listeners
until the conclusion of the service, when they shouldered their rifles and
departed.
In 1835, Father Brousdenberg, of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
preached in Orwig's combined store and dwelling, and organized a class,
the first members being Richard Worthington, Mary Worthington, Ruth
Cowger, Rebecca Cowger and Sarah A, Cowger. Worthington was the
UNION TOWNSHir. Ill
first class leader. Jonathan and Margaret Ritchey and Boyd Ritchey
soon joined ; Amaranda Botts, Mary A. Botts, Catharine Botts, Ma-
tilda Botts, Margaret Harbolt, Martha Reese, Catharine Hartman, Har-
riet Hartman, Mrs. Alfred Reed, Thomas Bushnell and wife, the Hana-
walts, the Spencers, the Rifenberricks. Among the ministers have been
Revs. Bruce, Hargrave, Smith, Ritchey, Reed, Enoch and Joseph Wood,
Greene, Kessler, Sheridan, Boyd, Parcels, Clearwater, Hascall, Comstock,
Holstock, Burgner, Hayes, Mason, Leach, Johnson. The church was
built about the year 1850, and cost $1,500. The same frame structure
is yet in use, though it has been remodeled several times. Sunday school
was early organized. The class has had many noted revivals. Its pres-
ent pastor, Mr. Johnson, is a man of earnest piety and unusual ability,
though suffering somewhat from ill health. The class is strong, and is
doing much good. The old records could not be found.
The Baptists started up about 1837. Elders Miner, Corbin and
Reese, or one of them, organizing the class. Among the early members
were Daniel Tilton, Mrs. Elizabeth Sill, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Kerr, G. A.
Spencer, John Hughes and others. The meetings were held in the old
schoolhouse, and later in the other churches. About fifteen years ago,
Daniel Tilton, George D. Washburn, Mrs. Hull and William T. Graves
bought the Old School Presbyterian Church for $500. The house was
moved, fitted up, and the class, which had formerly had a hard time to
live, revived its energy under the ministration of George D. Washburn,
an excellent man. Among the Baptist ministers of later years were
John Dunham, French, Kerr, Duley and Alford. The class is so reduced
that only occasional meetings are now held. Owing to the fact that the
old records could not be found, a more extended account cannot be given.
The Catholics, a branch of the church at Reynolds, started up a few
years ago, and built a small church, at a cost of about $700. Among
the families connected, are those of David Mahony, Steits, Witz, Stayre,
Ewalt and others. The class is slowly growing.
112 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
CHAPTER IV.
BY ED A. MOBSMAN.
Prairie Township — First Settler — Creation of Township — First
Election — Early Land-Holders — Pioneer Schools— First Birth,
Marriage and Death — Springboro — Early Mills — Churches
— Brookston — Surface Features — Brookston Academy — The
Press.
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP contains less unoccupied and unimproved
lands, perhaps, than almost any of the neighboring townships. Yet
it contains so large an amount of such lands that it is difficult to believe,
in connection with this fact, that many of the men and women who are
residing here, and whose locks are fast becoming silvered o'er with the
hoar-frost of time, first beheld the light, and breathed the breath of life
within its borders. In view of the rapidity with which the native pop-
ulation of our country is increasing, and of the large accessions that it
is annually receiving from foreign countries, it is truly amazing that any
portion of our country, and especially so fertile and healthful a portion of
it as this is, should become populated so tardily. In this, however, Prairie
Township has not been behind other townships, in this or other counties.
She has always been abreast of the times. How inconceivably vast must
our country be, in which so many millions of people can find homes; and
yet, such large areas of as good land as the sun shines upon, remain for
so many years unoccupied !
Settlement. — The settlement in this township was begun in 1829 ;
and it is to Royal Hazelton that the honor is due of leading the van. He
was the first permanent settler of the township, if not, in fact, of the
county ; and, it is not positively known that he was preceded by any, even
by the two or three, transient settlers who came about the same time.
John Ault and a man named Willis, neither of whom remained long in
the township, came about the same time that Hazelton came ; but whether
they preceded him or not is not known. Ault settled in the northern
part of the township, where he erected a pole shanty, in which he lived
with his family, for a period of about three months, and then moved
thence to Big Creek Township. Willis made some slight improvements,
and then removed no one knows whither. Mr. Hazelton settled upon
the southeast quarter of Section 22, where he erected the first
house that was ever erected in Prairie Township. It was sixteen feet in
length', by fourteen feet in width, and was made of round logs. The
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 113
roof was of clapboards, and the floor of puncheons. In brief, it was sim-
ilar, in all its leading features, to the rude log houses erected by the
early settlers in general, and which have been so often described in this
history that a more specific description of it is not deemed necessary.
Suffice it to say, that the}'' were such rudely constructed aff"airs that it
would be difficult to give a description that would convey anything like an
adequate idea of their rudeness. They were so insignificant, in compar-
ison with the superb mansions of to-day, that there are scores, no doubt,
of young people in the township to-lay who would not deign to
enter such a house as those in which their parents learned to repeat their
" Now I lay me down to sleep," etc.
Creation of Township. — Prairie Township was created by anoi'derof
the County Commissioners, made on the 19th day of July, 1834, and em-
braced Congressional Township No. 25, " and all territory there-
to attached." This township originally contained one hundred and
two square miles, or sixty-five thousand two hundred and eighty acres,
and was bounded on the north by Big Creek Township ; on the east by
Carroll County ; on the south by Tippecanoe County ; and on the west
by Benton County. Thus the boundaries remained until 1854 when
West Point Township, which was at that time created from a portion of
the original township of Big Creek, became a part of the northern bound-
ary. No further changes were made in the boundary lines until 1858,
at which time Round Grove Township was stricken off from the western
portion of Prairie Township, leaving the boundaries as they now are.
This township as at present constituted has an area of sixty-six square
miles, and is bounded on the north by West Point and Big Creek Town-
ships ; on the east by Carroll County ; on the south by Tippecanoe
County ; and on the west by Round Grove Township. It was further
ordered by the board that all elections held in the township during the
first year be held at the house of William Woods, and Solomon Mc-
Colloch was appointed Inspector of Elections ; Samuel Smeltzer, Super-
visor of Roads ; William Walter, Overseer of the Poor ; and Samuel
Alkire and William Phillips, Fence Viewers. Among the early settlers
of the township were James Wright, Edmund Wright, J. C. Moore,
Samuel Smeltzer, Samuel Alkire, John Barr, Robert Barr, Aaron Yar-
nell, Adam Best, Mr. Hornbeck, Joseph Price, James Kent, Clark Little,
John Beauchamp, Andrew Wilson, Joseph Bostick, Joseph Garrett, John
Little, John Hornbeck, James Smith, William Woods, Henry Little,
Jackson Alkire, James Hayes, John Gay and James Gay. The exact
dates when the above-named men settled in the township cannot be ascer-
tained. There were two settlements begun in the township at about the
same time, one in the eastern, and the other in the southeastern portion.
114 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
It is more than probable that those portions of the township were settled
first, for the reason that timber for building purposes could be procured
here, whilst in the more central and western portions it could not, as the
land in those portions was principally prairie land. Indians were quite
numerous here at the time of the advent of the early settlers, and traces
of their burial places were discoverable for many years after the first oc-
cupancy of the country by whites. In two instances, skeletons of pap-
ooses were discovered in hollow limbs of large trees five years after the
founding of the first settlement.
Early Poll Lists. — At an election held at the house of William
Woods on the 6th day of April, 18B5, under the direction of Solomon
McColloch, Inspector, the following men voted : Charles Wright,
Thomas C. Smith, Solomon McColloch, John Barr, George Brown,
William Gay, Jr., Daniel Brown, Ezekial W. Brown, William Woods,
William Watson, William Sill, James Gay, Henry Smeltzer and John
Gay. The Judges were Charles Wright and Thomas C. Smith, and the
Clerks, John Barr and William Gay. For Justice of the Peace, William
Wood received thirteen votes ; for Constable, Daniel Brown received four-
teen votes ; for Supervisor of Roads, Solomon McCulloch and John Barr
received fourteen votes each ; for Overseers of the Poor, William Gay
and William Phillips received fourteen votes each, and for Fence Viewers
William Smeltzer and John E. Metcalf received thirteen votes each.
William Gay was elected Inspector of Elections.
At an election held at the house of William Woods, on Monday,
August 3, 1835, the following men cast their ballots: Royal Hazelton,
John Barr, John Young, John Barr, Jr., Simon Hornbeck, Oliver Ham-
mond, James Barr, Robert Barr, William Woods, Benjamin Newell, John
Blair, Elisha Bowles, Joseph Bostick, Solomon McCulloch, Willis Pherly,
James Gay, John Price, William Gay, James Kent, John Gay, James C.
Moore, Simeon Smith, John E. Metcalf, Joseph Sayre, Thomas Sutton
and Samuel Smeltzer.
Three years later, or on the first Monday in August, 1838, the fol-'
lowing men voted : John Kelley, Solomon McCulloch, Allen Davis,
John Barr, Sr., Samuel Alkire, Thomas Harvey, Jacob Dauser, Michael
Alkire, John Mason, Alfred Barr, Thomas C. Smith, William Gay, Jr.,
Aaron Beauchamp, John Davis, Robert Newell, Robert Barr, William
Kennedy, Aaron McLaflin, Joseph Sayre, John Young, James Gay,
William Woods, Thomas Hazelton, John Barr, Jr., James K. Woods,
James Mills, Thomas Emery, Andrew Wilson, Samuel Smeltzer, 0. S.
Wilson, James McKean, Robert Hott, Thomas Reynolds and John Beau-
champ. The first Justice of the Peace elected in Prairie Township was
Royal Hazelton, who was elected whilst this portion of White County
THI NEW YOKK
VlBKAHY
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 117
yet constituted a portion of Carroll County. The returns of the election
at which he was elected are on file at Delphi, the county seat of Carroll
County.
First Land- Holders. — The following are the names of some of those
who first purchased or entered land in Prairie Township : Jesse L. Wat-
son, 80 acres, in Section 3, November 14, 1829 ; William Phillips, 80
acres, in Section 26, November 13, 1829; Jesse Johnson, 80 acres, in
Section 26, November 13, 1829 ; William Kennedy, 80 acfes, in Section
34, November 13, 1829; Robert Barr, 80 acres, in Section 36, Novem-
ber 13, 1829; Bazil Clevenger, 80 acres, in Section 33, February 19,
1830 ; Charles Wright, 80 acres, in Section 22, April 29, 1830 ; John
E. Metcalf, 84 acres, in Section 17, November 2, 1830; Frederick Smith,
146 acres, in Section 31, November 2, 1830 ; Robert Harvey, 80 acres,
in Section 31, July 1, 1831 ; Christian Church, 80 acres, in Section 32,
November 2, 1830 ; John Graham, 80 acres, in Section 5, November 2,
1830 ; Robert Graham, 80 acres, in Section 5, November 2, 1830 ; Peter
Alkire, 80 acres, in Section 5, November 2, 1830 ; Solomon McColloch,
78 acres, in Section 29, August 13, 1832 ; William Gay, 160 acres, in
Section 29, August 17, 1832; James Gay, 40 acres, in Section 32,
August 17, 1832; William Gay, Jr., 40 acres, in Section 31,
August 23, 1832 ; John Beecher, 40 acres, in Section 31, March 5,
1833 ; John Young, 80 acres, in Section 17, May 19, 1834 ; Daniel
Brown, 50 acres, in Section 18, October 18, 1834 ; Jacob W. Brooks, 80
acres, in Section 20, July 3, 1834 ; Isaac Thomas, 80 acres, in Section
29, January 27, 1834. The first purchases of land in the township were
made exclusively in the eastern part. The settlement of the prairie land,
in the western part of the township, did not begin until the year 1849.
Of those who settled in the township prior to 1835, there are but few
survivors. The few that remain have grown so decrepit, so bowed and
stiffened with age, that as we gaze upon them, and reflect upon the fact
that they were once the stout-hearted and strong-bodied pioneers of this
township, who so heroically battled against the hardships of frontier life,
and overcame them, we are impelled to exclaim, in the language of the
poet,
" I often think each tottering form
That limps along in life's decline,
Once bore a heart as young and warm,
And full of idle thoughts as mine."
The hoary locks, the palsied hand, the quaking voice and the general
aspect of languor, all seem to say, with greater emphasis than words could
give,
" I feel more like restin' than workin', and every year that goes by
'Pears to tells me I'd better be careful, and leaves me a trifle less spry."
8
118 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
Pioneer Schools. — The first school in the township was taught about
one mile southeast of Brookston, in a cabin built of small, round logs.
This first schoolhouse was very rudely constructed, as were all the school-
houses in this section of country, in those early days ; yet, it was so from
necesiity and not from choice. Those early settlers were as solicitous for
the welfare of their children as are the parents of to-day for the welfare
of theirs ; and, in so far as their limited means would permit, they pro-
vided as well for their comfort and well-being. Therefore, let no jeering
or contemptuous remarks be indulged in touching those early institutions
of learning. Some of the foremost men in our nation to-day received no
other school education than what they obtained in just such schoolhouses.
This house was quite small ; and in this, also, as well as in being of rude
construction, it was similar to most other schoolhouses of that period ;
yet, as the country was at that time but sparsely settled, and as there
were many, especially among the poorer class, who could not spare their
children from home after they became old enough to work, it is obvious that
the attendance must have been small, and that a large house was not required.
And " ye pedagogue of ye olden time," who, that once has seen him, can-
not, forever after, call him up at will, before his mind's eye? On the
morning appointed for school to begin, the hour for " books " having ar-
rived, he opens the door, takes a piece of clapboard (they had no bells
then), and with it gives a dozen or more raps on the door, lustily, and in
quick succession. This, as is understood by all, is the signal for "books."
When all are in their places, and silence reigns, this pedagogue of the
olden time, with austerity depicted in every lineament of his features (not
that he is, at heart, the cannibal that he seems ; but the character is as-
sumed, for the purpose of inspiring in the minds of his pupils respect for
his authority), assumes a position in front of this awe-stricken assemblage
of terrigenous toilers in the mines of knowledge, and seems to promul-
gate the fact that they have assembled for the purpose of beginning a
three- months term of school (their terms of school never extended
beyond three months in those days), and expresses the hope that they will
all get along harmoniously together, and that all will be obedient to the
"rules," and endeavor to so improve their time that they will have no cause
to regret, in after life, having spent in idle folly the precious moments
that are now theirs, but which, once lost, are lost forever. After thus ex-
patiating for a half hour or so, and touching upon the subjects of the
paramount importance of obtaining an education, the rapidity of time's
flight, and the necessity of catching it as it flies, he takes from his pocket
a paper, and proceeds to read to them therefrom the lex scripta by which
this monarchy in miniature is to be governed. Snow-balling, fighting,
chewing tobacco in the house, profanity, obscenity, and pretty nearly
PIIAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 119
everything that is malum in se, as well as many things that are malum
prohibitum only, are embraced in the long list of things that are pro-
hibited, together with manj' mandatory injunctions. After these "rules"
are read to the school, he tacks them upon the door, on the inside, in
order, probably, that he may have no qualms of conscience in enforcing
the principle of law that ignorantia legis neminem excusant (ignorance of
the law excuses no one), and woe betide the boy who has the temerity to
pull it down, just to show that he " isn't afraid to." After these prole-
gomenary proceedings are ended, the regular routine work of searching
for nuggets of knowledge begins. The school being now opened, the
reader is left to close it whon and as he chooses. As most of the early
settlers were poor men, they were under the necessity of keeping their
children at home and at work, when the weather was not too inclement.
Consequently, their opportunities for obtaining an education were very
limited, and their education was correspondingly limited. Their cur-
riculum embraced spelling, reading, writing, arithmetic, oace in
awhile geography, and, once in a long while, grammar. There were no
class recitations in any of the branches except in spelling and reading.
However deficient their education was, as regards the higher branches, it
is true that they were generally good spellers. This was their chief
pride, and in this they were not far behind (if behind at all) the pupils of
these modern days. The young man who had mastered the arithmetic
was considered a prodigy of learning. The gentleman who taught this
first school bore the classic cognomen of Harrison. The second school
was taught in the same neighborhood in a small, log-cabin schoolhouse,
by Royal Hazelton, the man who is said to have been the first settler of
Prairie Township.
First Birth, Marriage and Death. — Anna Wright (now Browning),
who was born in the year 1830, was the first white child born in the
township. As nearly as can be ascertained, Leavenworth Willis and
Delana Hazelton were the first couple married in the township, and the
first death was that of Mrs. Phillips, who died in 1829 or 1830.
Springhoro. — In the early history of this township, there was an
efibrt made to built up a town in the eastern part of it, and some ad-
vancement was made in that direction; but owing to the fact of other
towns springing up in the vicinity, having superior facilities, the project
failed. It was situated about five miles east of Brookston, and was called
Springboro. The first house erected in this town, was built by a man
named Trantler, who also kept the first grocery in the place. There is
a grocery there yet, which is kept by the firm of Lizby & Brown.
Masonic Lodge. — Brookston Lodge, No. 66, A., F. & A. M., was
organized at Pittsburg, in Carroll County, in 1848, and worked on
120 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
dispensation until May, 1849, at which time a charter was granted them.
In 1857, the lodge was removed to Brookston, where it is now located.
All the records of the lodge were destroyed by fire in 1857. In 1858, they
erected a very neat and commodious hall, at a cost of about $1,500, besides
which they have other lodge property of the value of about $200. The
lodge has about forty-five active members. Present officers: J. J.
Bright, W. M. ; David Cochran, S. W. ; William Staton, J. W. ;
Benton Thompson, Treasurer; A. S. Borden, Secretary. Regular meet-
ings, first and third Saturday nights in each month. Trustees, K. J.
Mills, John Medaris and Jerry Murphy.
Early Mills. — The first saw mill in this township was erected in Sec-
tion 31, on Moots' Creek, by Robert Barr, in 1838. It had an up-and-
down saw, which went up and down as regularly as the sun rose
and set, and pretty nearly as often. The creek was dammed about a
quarter of a mile above where the mill was located, and a race construct-
ed. In the spring when the water was high, this mill did a flourahing
business. At this mill was sawed much of the lumber that was used in
the construction of many of the early improvements in the eastern part of
Prairie Township, and the country round about. The enterprise was con-
tinued for about ten years, and then abandoned. Some of the old
timbers remain to mark the spot where this first saw mill of the township
was erected. The second and last saw mill in the township was built in the
Gay settlement, by P. M. Kent, about the year 1862, and continued in
operation some four or five years. There was, in connection with this
saw mill, a small grist mill, which ground wheat and corn for about one
year, when the enterprise was abandoned as a financial failure.
Qhurches. — The first ministers who sowed the seed of divine faith in
this portion of the globe terrigenous were Adam Best and Aaron Yarnell,
of the Methodist Episcopal persuasion; and the first services were held
at the house of J. C. Moore, somewhere near the site of his present resi-
dence. Near the same place, in a hewed-log schoolhouse built by J. C.
Moore, the first class in the township was organized. This organization
was effected by a one-eyed minister, whose name could not be ascertained.
Some of the members of this class were Philip Davis, John Davis and
wife, and Joseph Bostick and his wife and son. The first Methodist
Episcopal Church in the township was erected about the year 1844,
about two miles southwest of Brookston. It was a frame building, the
size of which was about" thirty -six by forty- two feet. The Rev. Stallard
was the first minister. The church is without a regular pastor at present
Just when the Baptist Church was organized could not be ascertained.
In 1870, they bought the old schoolhouse in Brookston, for $600, and
converted it (not in a spiritual sense), into a temple of worship. They
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 121
had been holding their meetings in this same building previous to the time
of their purchase of it. Rev. Tedford is the present pastor of this church.
The Christian Church, located about five miles east of Brookston, is a
very neat frame building, thirty feet in width by forty-eight feet in
length, and was completed in November, 1882, at a cost of .^1,250. Rev.
Lilly is the present pastor.
Brookston. — The town of Brookston, a neat, sprightly and nour-
ishing little town, situated near the center of the township, on the line of
the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago Railroad, and which has at present
a population of about 650, was laid out and platted April 26, 1853, by
Benjamin Gonzales, Isaac Reynolds and Joel B. McFarland. The town
is situated upon the northwest quarter and the west half of the north-
east quarter of Section 22. The blocks, numbered from 1 to 32, both
inclusive, are laid off into lots, each fifty feet front, by one hundred
and forty feet deep. The blocks numbered 1, 8, 25 and 32 contain four
lots each. The lots numbered from 2 to 7, both inclusive, and from 26
to 31, both inclusive, contain six lots each. The blocks numbered 9,
16, 17 and 25, contain eight lots each ; and the lots numbered
from 10 to 15, both inclusive, and from 18 to 23, both inclusive,
contain twelve lots each. The lots marked A and E are each one
hundred feet wide by two hundred feet long ; and the lots marked
B, C and D, respectively, are each one hundred feet wide by three
hundred feet long. Railroad street is one hundred and thirty feet wide.
Prairie street. South street. North street and Wood street are each
seventy feet wide. First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Sev-
enth streets are each sixty feet wide ; and the alleys are each twenty
feet wide. First to Seventh street, both inclusive, run east and west ; First
street on the north side of the plat, and numbered to the south. Prairie,
Railroad, South and Wood run north and south ; Prairie on the west, and
thence east in the order named. The strip of ground lying between
Blocks A and B, being one hundred feet wide, is not dedicated to the
public, but is reserved by the proprietors. The blocks are numbered
from the northwest corner of the plat, down the west side of Prairie
street ; then north, between Prairie and Railroad ; then south, between
South and Wood, and then north, on the east side of Wood. Blocks A,
B, C, D and E are between South and Railroad streets; A north of
First, and B, C, D and E south of Fourth street. There are two alleys
— one between Prairie and Railroad, and one between South and Wood
streets. The following additions have been made at various times: Hayes'
Addition of sixteen lots, by S. Hayes, January 24, 1854 ; Moore's
Addition of seventy lots, by J. C. Moore, January 28, 1851; Brown &
Barnard's Addition of twenty-four lots, by E. A. Brown and Obed
122 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
Barnard, August 10, 1868; Robinson's Addition of thirty lots, by J.
W. Robinson, August 26, 1868. The want of space precludes the giv-
ing of a more detailed description of those additions. Eli Myers built
the first house that was erected within the town plat. The first store in
the town was kept by a man named Kane, who also was the first Post-
master, and the first railroad agent. He commenced in 1852 and con-
tinued about one year. The second store was kept by John Bross. .
John Best was the first blacksmith in the town. The third store was
owned by Colton & Mason. The first election for corporation officers
in the town of'Brookston was held at the schoolhouse March 23, 1867,
and the following ofiicers were elected : Clerk and Treasurer, D. S.
French ; Marshal and Assessor, Jonas R. Staton ; Trustees, First Dis-
trict, A. L. Patterson ; Second District, S. H. Powell ; Third District,
C. D. Staton ; Fourth District, Moses L. French ; Fifth District, D. U.
Rice. A, Patterson, President of the Board. The bonds of Assessor
and Clerk were each $100, and of Treasurer and Marshal $1,000 each.
The present officers are : Trustees, First District, G. U. Rainier ; Second
District, A. Cochran ; Third District, George Stowe ; Fourth District,
George W. Sanders ; Fifth District, W. H. Sampson ; Treasurer, T. S.
Hayes ; Marshal, John Mansfield : Clerk, C. C. French.
Following is a summary of the present business of the town : Dry
goods, Truxton Head, E. P. Mason, son and J. H. Brandon ; boots and
shoes, Mason & ^on, S. S. Colvin, F. Stalman and J. H. Brandon ; ele-
vators, F. S. Hayes and Parish & Godman ; groceries, E. P. Mason
& Son, D. A. Powell, Rainier & Son, A. Street & Son ; hardware, D. E.
Murphy and A. C. Spitzer; confectioners, John Wolf, A. Street & Son ;
drugs, Benton Thompson and Van Winkle & Martin ; blacksmiths, A.
Deiterlie and George Martin; barber, J. W Holtzman ; furniture, A.
Cochran ; harness, Peter Schneider ; lumber and lath, A. S. Boardner ;
livery and feed, William Lang and M. Slimar ; cigars and tobacco, J. W.
Holtzman ; meat market, A. J. Holtzman ; Justice of the Peace, A. C.
Patterson; millinery, Mrs. R. H. Lockwood and Mrs. A. Rodgers;
physicians, John Medaris, Kelley & Mendenhall, W. H. Holtzman and
W. H, Sampson ; stoves and tinware, A. C. Spitzer; undertaker, A. C.
Cochran ; tile factory, William Ripley ; hotel, Gress House, J. S. Lock-
wood ; Ameri-can Express, L. E. Street; station agent, William Mc-
Clellan; Postmaster, C. S. Little. The Farmers' Warehouse was built
in 1860-61 by a joint-stock company, organized and incorporated under
the laws of the State. It is 40x80 feet and cost $2,000. In 1864, John
Allen put in a grist-mill, with three runs of buhrs, which he operated
for about five years. In 1879, Parish & Godman leased it for a period of
five years. The Methodist Church in Brookston was built in 1866 at
a cost of $2,000.
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 123
In 1863, the Brookston Minutemen were organized under charter,
running for ten years. The charter members were William Stewart,
William T. Alkire, D. D. Archibald, Joseph Henderson, Samuel Bachelor,
Aaron Yarnell, E. A. Brown, J. C. Garrett, Jeremiah Murphy, William
H. Stewart, Benjamin Lucas, Lewis Roderick, William Myers, A. G.
Brown, James Chilton, Sr., James Chilton, Jr., and a few others.
William Stewart was the first President ; Samuel Bachelor, the first
Secretary, and Aaron Yarnell, the first Treasurer. In 1873, the charter
having expired, the body was re-organized under a new charter, which will
expire in 1883. The present charter expires next September, but the
probability is that it will then be renewed for a further term of ten years.
Their meetings are held once every three months. Their object is
mutual protection against thieves and depredators of all kinds. They
now have a membership of about seventy. They have done much good
in the community, in the way of bringing criminals to condign punish-
ment. It is probably the only organization of the kind in the county,
and there is probably no other place in the county in which criminals are
so rigorously dealt with.
The Brookston Silver Cornet Band was organized in June, 1882, by
M. J. Holtzman, with the following members: M. G. Holtzman (leader),
Peter Schneider, Ed Petit, Webb Mendenhall, Van Ripley, J. F. Rans-
dell, Sherman Cochran, John Wright, James French and Elwood Shelton.
They are making fair progress, and will, no doubt, be able to discourse
some very excellent music after they shall have had a little more practice.
Brookston has two saloons, at which "the deadly juice of the sour-mash
tree " is sold in quantities to suit purchasers. There is also a calaboose
in the town. The relation between the saloon and the calaboose is so
intimate that it is deemed proper to mention them in the same connection.
The Brookston Academy was built during the years 1866 and
1867. The movement which eventuated in the erection of this magnificent
structure, of which the people of Brookston are proud above everything
else, perhaps, that they have to feel proud of in common, in their beauti-
ful and pleasant little town, was inaugurated by Dr. John Medaris. He
it was who first suggested the idea, and at his suggestion the plan was
adopted of getting the then County Superintendent to hold a series of
meetings throughout the township, at which addresses were made by the
County Superintendent and others, and the organization of a joint-stock
association was strongly urged, after which the subscription of stock was
solicited. This plan met with such success that during the winter of 1865
-66 stock to the amount of |7,000 was subscribed, and during the follow-
ing spring the work was begun. By the fall of 1866, the building was
inclosed and the association was about $6,000 in debt. Before further
124 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
progress could be made, it was necessary that they should get more
money. This seemed almost like the labor of Sisyphus, for it would
seem as though their resources in this direction had been almost exhausted,
as they had made a very thorough canvass of the township in the first
instance, and their money was now all gone, although they had made but
a very slight beginning toward the completion of the work they had set
out to do. Nothing daunted, however, they began to frame new plans
by which to obtain the much needed article, money. The plan which
they now adopted was to issue new certificates of stock, payable in in-
stallments, due, one-third in one year, one-third in two years, and the
remaining one-third in three years. By the sale of this stock, about
$6,000 was raised. They also prevailed upon the Board of Commission-
ers of the county to subscribe for $5,000 worth of stock, the conditions of
which subscription are set forth in the order of the Board in relation
thereto, a copy of which is here set forth : " It is ordered by the Board
that $5,000 of the stock of the Brookston Academy be taken by the
county, upon the condition that the Board of Trustees of said Brookston
Academy shall, from thenceforth, forever, educate all orphan children,
and all children of widows who are not owners of real estate of the value
of $500, and shall be bona fide residents of the county of White, free
from tuition of all kinds, until said children shall attain their majority."
With this additional $11,000 of subscribed stock, together with a little
over $4,000 of borrowed money, the building was completed and opened
in the fall of 1867. The building is eighty feet in length by sixty feet
in width, two stories high, and is divided into four spacious rooms, twO'
below and two above. It is situated outside and just south of the corpo-
ration, in a beautiful grove containing five acres of ground. The struct-
ure is composed of brick, and presents a very beautiful and imposing ap-
pearance. What with the money the association had borrowed, and with
the subscribed stock that was not collectible, they found themselves in
debt in the sum of about $8,000 when the building was completed. As
they did not feel equal to the task of raising this amount, it was sold in
1873 to the Trustees of the township, by whom it was, at the same date,
leased to the corporation of the town of Brookston for a term of ninety-
nine years. It was sold to the Township Trustees for the amount of the
debt, and no more. It is greatly to be deplored that some of the men
who contributed most liberally of their time and means to the furtherance
of this noble enterprise should have been so mercilessly fleeced as some of
them were, the details of which, for lack of space, cannot be here given.
As before stated, the academy was opened in the fall of 1867, with the
following corps of able teachers : Principal, Prof. Hart ; Grammar,
Miss Serena Handley; Intermediate, Miss Sallie Mitchell; Primary,
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 125
Miss Jeru Cook ; Assistant, Miss Rachel Hayes ; Music, Miss Lida
Oakes. Prof. Hart was a graduate of Yale College, and had, for many
years before coming to this place, been Principal of the public schools in
Danville, Ky. He was an accomplished scholar, and a very suc-
cessful and popular teacher. The present teachers are : Principal, Prof.
Frank D. Heimbaugh, a graduate of the Normal School at Valparaiso ;
Primary, Miss Eda Cutter ; Intermediate, Miss Lizzie Holmes ; Gram-
mar, Miss Belle Marsh. The first Trustees were, John Medaris, Russel
Stewart, Samuel Ramey, E. A. Brown, Alfred Ward and G. W. Cornell ;
President of the board, John Medaris. Present Trustees, John Medaris,
John Roush, John P. Carr, 0. Barnard, Robert Alkire and Russel Stew-
art. John Medaris has continued to be President of the board, by suc-
cessive re-elections, from the time of the first organization of the board.
The schools are now and always have been very efficiently conducted.
There is probably no town or city in the State that contains a better edu-
cated or more refined class of citizens than does Brookston, and that this
is true is due to the fact of the existence of this academy in their midst,
more than to any other one thing. ^
Bridges. — Prairie Township has within its borders five good iron
bridges, three of which, across Moots' Creek, are each one hundred feet
in length, and were erected at an estimated cost of $2,000 each ; one
across the same stream, fifty feet in length, was built at a cost of about
$1,300 ; and one across Spring Creek, also fifty feet in length, cost about
the same amount as the one last mentioned. The first four of these
bridges are of the conical center pattern, and the other of the square truss
style. These bridges were erected by the Wrought Iron Bridge Com-
pany of Canton, Ohio.
Surface Features. — Prairie is the largest and, perhaps, the best
township in the county. The west half of it, and a portion of the east
half, is prairie land. Probably three-fifths or more of the entire township
is prairie, and it is from this fact that the name which it bears was given
to it. The west half is almost exclusively prairie, whilst in the east half
timbered land and prairie are interspersed. The timbered portions pro-
duce wheat better than the prairie, whilst the prairie produces the better
corn crops. Of late years, however, the farmers in the western portion
have been cultivating much more wheat than formerly, and with good
success. The soil of the prairies is very rich, and corn grows very lux-
uriantly.
A Storm of Sleet. — Lest the date and the fact should be forgotten,
and lest some who take but little note of passing events should say in the
future, "this is the heaviest sleet that I ever saw," it is here recorded
that during the night of February 2, 1883, a sleet was formed, which was
126 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
pronounced by many old and observant citizens to be the heaviest that
they had ever witnessed. It rained almost incessantly during the night
of the 2d, and also the greater pairt of the day on the 3d, with the tem-
perature a little below the freezing point the greater part of the time.
Sleet formed to the thickness of about one inch, and damage was done to
fruit, forest and ornamental trees to an extent that was almost incredible.
The telegraph lines were snapped asunder in many places, and many
poles were broken down, merely by the weight of the accumulation of ice
upon the wires, whilst, in many places, saplings or small trees were bent
down across the wires by their burden of ice, and the wires thus were
broken, rendering communication by telegraph, for the time, impossible.
Not only did ice form around the limbs and twigs of trees, but numerous
icicles, from four to five inches in length, hung pendant from' every little
twig. ' , ,
The Press. — The Brookston Reporter., a six-column folio newspaper,
independent in politics, was founded April 17, 1873, by M. H. Ingram.
August 3, 1874, it was purchased by D. S. and C. C French. The
partnership continued until Jfnuary, 1879, when C. G. French became
the sole proprietor. During the time that Mr. Ingram published the
paper it was issued on Thursday of each week, and for a short time after
the Messrs. -French became the proprietors of it, Thursday remained
publication day. After a short time, however, the publication day was
changed to Friday, and has remained so to the present time. It has a
patent outside, as have most local papers at the present day. It is a neat
a,nd ably conducted little sheet, and is doing much good in the com-
munity.
CHAPTER V.
BY M. T. MATTHEWS.
Honey Creek Township — Name and Creation — First Settle-
ment — Early Elections and Officers — First Land Entries —
Milling Interests — Reynolds — Schools and Churches — The
Railroads — Other Items of Interest.
FROM a stream that wends its course through Honey Creek Town-
ship from southwest to northeast, the township derived its name.
Previous to 1855, the territory now constituting the above-mentioned
township was attached to Union Township for election purposes, and
thus remained until the June term of the Commissioners' Court in
1855, when it was " Ordered, that Congressional Township 27
north, of Range 4 west, be and the same is hereby constituted
HONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP. 127
Honey Creek Township." The first steps made toward the creation of
this new township were by Benjamin Reynolds, Leander H. Jewett,
Abram Van Voorst and numerous other citizens, who, in 1854, signed a
petition and presented it to the Court of County Commissioners, praying
the creation of the township. The township contains thirty-six
square miles, has twenty-three thousand and forty acres of land
and is bounded on the north by Monon, east by Union, south by Big
Creek and west by Princeton. At the time of the formation of Honey
Creek Township, in 1855, and for a number of years afterward, the soil
was noted for its extreme wetness. So wet was it that it might have
been properly termed water township instead of the name it now bears.
Since 1860, there has been a large amount of drainage done. At the
close of 1882, the township had at least twenty miles of public ditches,
besides many constructed at prtvate expense. The greater portion of the
land in Honey Creek Township is now under cultivation or is susceptible
of cultivation.
First Settlement. — The first settlement in the territory that now
composes Honey Creek Township was about the time the county was or-
ganized, in 1834. In the sprint of 1834, the words, '" Go West, young
man," seem to have fallen upon the ears of Joshua Rinker and wife, for
they were soon found ^vending their way from their Buckeye home to
what is now Honey Creek Township. Mr. Rinker and wife settled
on Section 34, and began improvement by erecting a cabin.
This structure was not unlike cabins which were built very near the
same time. The round logs, the floor of split trees hewed only on one
side, the clapboard roof, the old fire-place, the one small window, and
the door that for years swung to and fro upon its creaking leather hinges,
are some of the remembrances of this the supposed first cabin of Honey
Creek Township. Some of the other early settlers were Peter B. Smith
(a Norwegian), who came into the township in 1834 and began settle-
ment in the northeast corner, on Section 1. A man by the name
of Day came into the township in the same year and began settle-
ment on Section 85. Day kept "bachelor's hall," the keeping of
•which need not here be pictured. Joseph Cole, James Cole and Moses
Cole began settlement in the township in 1835, and about the same
time came Jesse Grooms, Frank Johnson, Moses Johnson and Adison
Johnson. William Turner was also among the first to commence set-
tlement in the territory. Mr. Turner settled on the range line in the
extreme northern part, and about the same date another improvement was
begun on Section 34, by a man named Bisher. On account of the light-
ning striking the cabin and instantly killing a daughter of Mr. Bisher
and severely injuring a little son, the house was abandoned. After
128 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
this, Mr. Bisher and family left the township. Nathaniel White was
one of the first to begin settlement in Honey Creek Township. Mr.
White came from England about 1833 or 1834, and soon afterward en-
tered eighty acres of land in the township and at once erected a cabin in
which he lived for many years a lone and solitary life. A. M. Dickin-
son, Harry Thompson, John Bates, Joseph De Long, J. E. Dunham,
Samuel Verdon, Nicholas Myers, Mrs. Sarah Bunnell, W. H. Rinker,
Thomas Rinker, T. N. Bunnell, George W. Bunnell and several others
were among the first settlers in the township. Stephen Miller made set-
tlement in the township on Section 26, V. McColloch on Section 27 and
John Wilson on Section 22, as early as 1836 or 1837. Abram Van
Voorst, Cason Wood, Benjamin Reynolds, M. M. and R. W. Sill, Na-
thaniel Bunnell and several others were among the early and prominent
men in the township. In 1854, there had<not been any settlement begun
in the township west of the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago Railway,
and it was not until this railroad was completed through the township
that settlement became more rapid tjjan it had hitherto been. During
the building of this improvement, the township was flooded with foreigners.
After the organization of the township, the Germans commenced settling
in the same, and in a few years persons of this nationality held, per-
haps, the balance of power. The Germans, as a rule, purchased small
farms (forty acre farms) and improved them and then would purchase
more land and improve that. Some of the finest and best cultivated
farms in Honey Creek Township to-day are those owned by Germans.
Civilization leads the way to improvement and culture.
First Elections and Officers. — At an election held at the Reynolds
schoolhouse on the 7th day of April, 1856, the following men asserted
their rights at the ballot box : Abram VanVoorst, D. L. Hamilton, New-
ton Organ, M. M. Sill, 0. L. Dale, J. S. Goddard, Ira Keller, James
Cole, Aaron Wood, Joseph Cole, Thomas Glanford, Nathaniel Bunnell,
Thornton Williams, Samuel Horren, Washington Burnes, Robert W,
Sill, Frederick Medorse, Jesse Holton, Marshall Johnson, Adison John-
son, Joshua Rinker, George Williams, Thomas Cain, John JefFcoots, S.
A. Miller, Abraham Irvin, Daniel Coble, A. M. Dickinson, Patrick
Horn, R. R. Pettit, John Horren, L. H. Jewett, Isaac Barker, Isaac S.
Vinson, John Bates, Lewis Kruger, J. W. Balger, J. Q. Bunnell, Na-
thaniel White, James Toppy, Isaac M. Cantwell, John Callis and Frederick
Helm. The above was the first election held in Honey Creek Town-
ship, and at it were elected the following Trustees: Samuel Horren, for
a term of three years ; Abram Van Voorst, for two years, and A. M.
Dickinson for one year. Leander H. Jewett and M. M. Sill were
elected Justices of the Peace for two years ; R. R. Pettit and Homer
HONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP. 129
Glassford were elected Constables for one year ; Nathaniel Bunnell was
elected Township Treasurer for one year, and Joshua Rinker, Newton
Organ and James Coble were elected Supervisors of Roads for the same
time. At this election, thirty-five votes were received for road tax, Ira
Kellsand A. Wood, Judges, 0. S. Dale and M. M. Sill, Clerks.
At an election held at the same place on the second Tuesday in Oc-
tober, 1856, the following men voted : James Himes, William White,
Aaron Wood, A. M. Dickinson, J. B. Bunnell, Abram Van Voorst, J.
H. Thomas, Stephen Miller, L. H. Ambler, Thornton Williams, Marion
Hamilton, Samuel Harper, Isaac Ruger, J. S. Reynolds, Samuel Horren,
J. W. Brasket, William Harper, R. R. Pettit, Thomas Harper, John
Noah, William Headen, Michael Foundry, F. Harper, L. H. Jewett, F.
N. Holam, Lewis Shall, F. Kefsis, James S. Miller, George F. Miller,
Jacob Heastur, James Dale, M. M. Sill, James Kenton, A. Page, J. F.
Goddard, M. Foram, John Candent, E. Lickory, John Boles, Charles
Keller, Henry Veslong, M. T. Johnson, John Cole, Anderson Johnson,
George Williams, James Cole, Beigamin Clark, Hugh Irvin, Ira Keller,
John Lealy, Patrick Henry, D. L. Hamilton, N. W. Bunnell, G. Helar,
A. A. Ferryfold, Isaac Kentwell, Joseph Skentington, John Cox, Jeff-
coots, B. T. Meyers, A. Weise, George Emery, Nathaniel White, C.
Perry, Joshua Perry, James Pettit, Jerry Hamilton, Thomas Spencer,
Solomon McColloch, James M. Bragg, John Horn, Nathaniel Bunnell,
Adam Morgan, Joshua Rinker, Aden Nordyke, Patrick Horn, Patrick
Poating, James Turpie, Joseph Dale, P. Hartman, W. P. Stark, Joseph
DeLong, Abram Irvin, and Newton Organ. This was the first State
election held in the township, and nearly every voter in it exercised his
might through the ballot box.
Previous to the spring election of 1858, a petition had been presented to
the Board of County Commissioners, numerously signed by citizens of the
township, praying the privilege of electing another Justice of the Peace,
and thereby supplying the township with two Justices instead of one, as
had been the case since the organization.
The county records show that William Millefr Kenton entered land in
the township in 1833 ; John W. Bunnell in 1835; Nathaniel Bunnell
in 1834 ; Thomas Bunnell in 1834 ; Eliza Ann Bunnell in 1835 ; John
Wilson in 1833 ; Benjamin H. Dixon in 1836, and Thomas Broomfield
in 1836. These were the first or among the first persons to enter home-
steads in Honey Creek Township.
Mills. — The first saw mill in the township was built where Reynolds
stands, in 1854, by Messrs. Johnson & Cole. This was a steam mill and
had a saw of the upright pattern. This enterprise continued for a
130 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
time, and did a fair business, but ere long reverses came (as they did to
many enterprises in those days), and the machinery connected with the
mill was soon disposed of at Sheriff's sale. The building stood for years
unused, and was finally torn down. Thus quickly died the first and only
stationary mill of this kind known in the history of the township.
The first grist mill in the township was a steam one, in a building
that was erected by M. M. and R. W. Sill, who had used it for several
years as a warehouse. The above-mentioned building is located in the
town of Reynolds. About the year 1868, Messrs. Tucker & Jenks pur-
chased the property, and placed in the machinery for the grist mill. Two
sets of buhrs were used, one for making flour and the other for grinding
corn. The firm continued the business about two years, when Tucker
disposed of his interest to his partner, and he (Jenks) ran the mill one
year and then sold it, and since that time the property has changed
hands several times, and now rests in the hands of Messrs. Ream & Hert-
lein, the present proprietors.
Railways. — The township has been vastly aided and the price of
real estate greatly enhanced since the construction of the railroads though
its borders. The Pittsburgh, Chicago & St. Louis road extends through
the township east and west. This line was commenced in 1855, and
completed through the township in 1859, and the Louisville, New Al-
bany & Chicago road was begun in 1853, and finished through the town-
ship in 1854.
First Birth and Death. — The first white child born in Honey Creek
Township is thought to have been Ellen Rinker, daughter of Joshua Rinker,
The first person who died in the township is supposed to have been a lady
by the name of Bisher, the same person, however, that was killed by
lightning in the early history of Honey Creek Township.
Reynolds. — This town, of more than a common or ordinary interest,
is situated in the southern part of Honey Creek Township, at the crossing
of the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago and the Pittsburgh, Chicago
k St. Louis Railways, and has a population of about four hundred and
fifty.
The town was named in honor of one of its founders, Benjamin Rey-
nolds. On the 10th day of January, 1854, George S. Rose, Benjamin
Reynolds, Christian Carrell and William M. Kenton, platted or laid out
the original town of Reynolds. The original plat was constructed upon the
northeast half of the northeast quarter of Section 34, in Town-
ship twenty-seven (27) north, of Range four (4) west, in White County,
State of Indiana. The following streets were laid off in the original plat:
Main, Sill, Kenton, Boone, First, Second, Third and Fourth. Main
HONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP. 131
street was sixty-six feet wide, as were all other streets running north and
south, while all streets running east and west were only sixty feet wide.
The alleys were all surveyed sixteen feet wide.
This plat (the original) of Reynolds contained 155 lots, each of which
had sixty feet front, but the depth varied. The first addition to the town
of Reynolds was made by Thomas Bunnell and William M. Kenton on
the 24th of January, 1855, and was known as the North Addition, and
was made from the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section
28, Town 27 north. Range 4 west, containing forty acres more or less,
commencing at the southeast corner, the center of Main street, thence
north, on the section line about eighty rods, thence west about eighty
rods, thence south about eighty rods to the southwest corner of said
land, thence east along the section line to the place of beginning. This
addition consisted of 141 lots. The second and last addition to the town
of Reynolds was made on the 4th of May, 1866, by Mrs. S. A. Vail,
and is designated as Vail's Addition, and the same was laid out west of
the North Addition to said town and included all that part of the south-
west quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 28, Township 27 north,
Range 4 west, which laid south of the Pittsburgh, Chicago & St. Louis
Railway ; this addition consisted of eighteen lots.
The first business house or building of any description on the present
site of Reynolds was what is now known as the Centennial House (a
name given it in 1876), that was erected by Benjamin Reynolds in 1852,
This was used from the time of its erection until recently as a hotel. The
original part of the building was 18x40 feet, one story high. In 1867
the first part was raised and two stories were put under it, and at the same
time some additions were attached to the original. The building is now
rented to the " Reynolds Light Fantastic Club " for $72 per annum, and
in it the lads and the lasses of Reynolds and round about meet once a
week and "drive dull care away " through the medium of the men-y,
merry dance. A man by the name of Burnes carried on the first black-
smith shop in Reynolds, and John Horn was the first merchant, and his
stock of merchandise consisted of groceries, dry goods, boots, shoes and
whisky. The sale of the last named article predominated greatly. Horn
was a representative of that country beyond the Atlantic, that to-day is
the saddest upon which the sun casts his rays. The following is a list of
the first merchants who sold goods in the town of Reynolds, in about the
order in which they began business.
Abram Tiramons, 1^53; James Rickey, spring of 1854; Aaron
Wood, fall of 1854; Nordyke & Bunnell, spring of 1855; Isaac
Vinson, fall of 1855 ; Irvin & Horren, fall of 1855 : M. M. & R.
W. Sill, spring of 1855; Irvin & Van Voorst, fall of 1856;
132 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
David K. Ream, 1857 ; H. T, Howard, spring of 1858 ; Samuel
W. Firth sold goods in the town in 1859 ; Samuel Brownell, 1860 ; C.
0. Allen, 1860. While making a visit to Louisville in the spring of
1855, M. M. Sill determined that he would launch his boat in the mer-
cantile sea, and while in that city purchased $500 worth of groceries and
had them shipped over the new railway then completed to Reynolds be-
fore he had a house to put them in, but Mr. Sill lost no time in securing a
room that had been put up in the fall of 1854, but had not been completed.
In the spring of 1855, the store room was completed and in it was
placed the stock of groceries and $1,000 worth of dry goods, boots, shoes
etc., etc. This was by far the most extensive business yet started in
Reynolds. Mr. Sill continued the business about two years, or until 1857,
when he sold his entire stock of goods to David K. Ream.
Leander Jewett was the town's first Postmaster and Dr. James H.
Thomas was the first physician and minister in the place, or in the town-
ship. The first dwelling house in Reynolds was built in the fall of 1852
by Abram Timmons. The house is still standing and is used at present
as a blacksmith shop. The second and third houses in the town were
built by Jesse Grooms and Edward Day. Years have passed and the
settlement of four houses has been exchanged for a thriving and enter-
prising town of almost 500 inhabitants. The business interests of
Reynolds are at present represented by the following list : Attorneys at
law, John A. Batson and James P. Wright ; physicians, R. M. Delzell
and S. W. Sluyter ; agricultural implements, Charles Heimlich ; black-
smiths, Heimlich Bros. ; boots and shoes, Frank Meyer, F. A. Thomas
and Michael Vogel ; drugs, John Brucker ; dry goods, John Hertlein,
W. S. Johnson & Co. and George Ruppert ; grocers, J. E. Dunham,
John Hertlein and Aaron Wood ; hardware, A. Wood ; grain dealer,
R. Felget ; furniture, R. Kleist ; wagon-makers, Brucker & Heimlich ;
stoves and tinware, Neidenberger & Son ; millinery, Mrs. M. H. Batson
and Mrs. L. Wilson ; meat market, G. Weise ; lumber and laths, J. F.
Brucker and Paris Nordyke ; real estate agent, J. A. Batson. The "fire-
water " interest is carried on by M. Grismer and F. A. Meyer. W. S.
Johnson is the town's present Postmaster.
Secret Societies. — Reynolds at one time had two secret organizations.
In 1859, the Grand Lodge of the Masonic order of Indiana granted a
charter to the Reynolds Lodge, which was numbered 252. Some of the
■charter members were R. W. Sill, Leander Jewett, Aden Nordyke. John
W. Peck, Morton Mordise and John Thompson. The lodge continued in
working order for a number of years, but finally it became financially
embarrassed on account of a number of members moving away and others
failing to pay their dues (mostly the latter), and in 1878 it voluntarily
HONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP. 133
surrendered its charter to the Grand Lodge. At the time of the surrender
of the charter, the lodge had the following officers : R. M. Delzell, W.
M.; John Brucker, S. W.; Henry Chamberlain, J. W.; J. A. Batson,
Secretary ; and Paris Nordyke, Treasurer. The other organization was
that of the Good Templars, which was started and the charter granted
July 4, 1866. For a time, the organization "ran high" and prospered.
At one time, the lodge had 180 active members, and had quite an amount
of money in the treasury, but when the third anniversary of its birth
came round, it had lost the greater part of its strength and in October
of the fourth year of the organization it had only twenty-two members
and as many dollars in the treasury. These members concluded to
abandon the work of " saving men " and voted that the proceeds on hand
be used in preparing an oyster supper, and that the supper should be
termed the ''supper of the faithful few." Thus it was, that that which
once was, and prospered, was so soon to become a thing of the dead past.
Schools. — The first schoolhouse in the town of Reynolds, or in the
township, was built in the original plat of the place about the year
1855. The house was built by subscription. Nathaniel Bunnell
gave $25 for the house and Benjamin Reynolds donated the
ground. Miss Nannie Glazebrook is, perhaps, the first teacher who
taught in this schoolhouse. The first school held in the town or township
was taught in acorn-crib in Reynolds by Miss Ann Braday in the summer
of 1854. The crib in which this school was taught was about twelve
feet wide, by thirty feet long. The term was a three-months one, and
there were about twenty pupils that attended. There are several of
these corn-crib scholars living in the vicinity yet. The present school
building in Reynolds was erected about the year 1860. The building
is a frame, 24x38 feet, one story high, contains two rooms. Thomas
James was the first teacher in the new schoolhouse. Jacob Thomas
is the present Principal, and Miss Jennie Bernathe is the primary teacher.
The school enrolls about 120 pupils and is in a healthy condition.
Churches. — The old Catholic Church erected in 1861, was the first
church built in the town of Reynolds. This is a frame structure, and is
used, and has been since 1876, for a parsonage. In 1876, the new
Catholic Church was erected, and is known as St. Joseph's Church. The
building is a large brick one, of elegant finish, erected at a cost of $12,000.
There are about forty families belonging to this congregation. There is,
in connection with the church, a Catholic school, called St. Joseph's
School, and has twenty-six pupils. The total amount of property owned
by the Catholics in the town is estimated at $14,000. The Presbyterian-
Christian Church was the second house of public worship erected in the
town. This is a frame structure, 22x60 feet, built by the Presbyterians
134 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
about the year 1859. The Presbyterians used the building for a number
of years, and then sold it to the Christians, and it has since been known
as the Christian Church. The building was erected at a cost of $1,600,
but was sold to the Christians for $700. The German Lutheran Church
(the old one) was built in 1867 : the new one was erected in 1878, and is
30x70 feet in size, and cost about $2,000. This church was built with
much care, and does credit to the sixty members who worship at its altars.
The old structure is used as a German school building. The school at
present is conducted by J. H. Bethke, and has an average attendance of
eighty-five pupils. The Methodist Episcopal Church, a frame structure,
40x60 feet, was commenced in 1869, and finished in 1871. From a
financial standpoint, this structure was wrongly christened. It should
have been named Bunnell's Church, for he (Nathaniel Bunnell) almost
built the church from his own pocket. This building cost about $2,000.
Previous to the erection of any of the foregoing sanctuaries, services were
held in the Reynolds Schoolhouse. This town can proudly boast of its
schools and churches, its railways and its business interests.
Reynolds Incorporated. — At the September term of the Commis-
sioners' Court in 1875, R. M. Delzell presented a petition signed by himself
and fifty-three other residents of Reynolds, praying that the board issue an
order declaring that the territory on which Reynolds was located be formed
into an incorporation. The petition was approved by the board, and it was
ordered, on the 8th of September, 1875, that on the 2d day of October,
1875, a meeting of the qualified voters of said territory be held at the
schoolhouse in Reynolds, to determine whether said territory should or
should not be an incorporated town. At this election, a majority of the
votes cast were in favor of the incorporation, and Reynolds thereafter was
designated as an incorporated town. At the first town election, the fol-
lowing officers were elected : Councilman of the First Ward, Jacob Pfis-
ter ; Second Ward, William Schweiule ; Third Ward, Abram Van Voorst ;
Clerk, J. E. Dunham ; Marshal, Joshua Bunnell ; Assesssor, Frederick
Witenburg. The present town officers are as follows : Councilman of the
First Ward, Frederick Witenburg; Second Ward, John Brucker; Third
Ward, John Hartman ; Clerk, J. A. Batson ; Marshal, Gustave Weise.
The corporation is free from debt, and town orders are at a premium.
No man or set of men can so well and so thoroughly picture
the difference between the Reynolds of 1860 and on through the
war and the Reynolds of 1882 as those who have lived in the town
during both periods. That Reynolds, from 1860 until 1866, was noted
for many miles around as one of he "tough " places of earth is not de-
nied, and the statement is supported by the best citizens of the town.
This was due to the rough element that came to the town when the rail-
HONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP. 135
road was first built and when Reynolds aspired to become the county
seat. There was a time during the construction of the railroad last
built, when expressions similar to the following could be heard concern-
ing Reynolds : " A man's life flows at a dangerous ebb if he is in Rey-
nolds and the fact that he has money with him is known ;" " You are
continuously in danger in Reynolds." An incident that runs as follows
has often been reiterated : In 1862, a man (more whisky than man)
stumbled aboard a passenger train on the Louisville, New Albany &
Chicago Railway, at LaFayette, and when he was approached by the con-
ductor and asked where he was going, replied " To Hell," whereupon the
man with the punch collected from the " well filled " individual 75
cents and put him oif the train at Reynolds. If this incident is
true, Reynolds will no doubt acknowledge the joke. It must be said,
however, that to-day Reynolds is a fine, enterprising town.
Newspapers. — In 1871, the inhabitants of Reynolds became anxious
to have a newspaper published in their midst, and in consequence thereof
purchased the Zionsville (Ind.) Times oflSce and removed it to Reynolds,
and in February, 1871, the first edition of the White County Banner
was issued. The paper was a 20x26 inch, five-column folio. This was
a stock enterprise. Abram Van Voorst suggested the name for the
sheet. J. L. Anderson was the first editor. In 1872, J. E. Dunham
purchased the paper of the stock company for $400, ran it one year and
changed the name of the sheet to that of the Central Clarion, and in 1876
the name was again changed and the paper was called the White County
Register, and this name it retained until its death in 1878. Financial
starvation killed the enterprise. J. E. Dunham still owns the office.
Miscellaneous. — The following persons in Honey Creek Township
have lived to see the three-score-and-ten mile post : Nathaniel Bunnell, Bar-
zilla Bunnell, Joseph Skevington, Abram Van Voorst, " Boss " White,
C. S. Wheeler, Mrs. C. S. Wheeler, Mrs. Sophia Bunnell, John Ehart,
Ira John, Ira Keller. Mrs. Ira John, Michael Rosentroter, Jeremiah
Conners, William Borst and Elizabeth Schrrantes.
The following is a list of the early physicians who practiced medicine
in Reynolds, given in about the year and also about the order in which
they began practicing in the place : Dr. Thomas, 1856 ; Dr. R. Har-
court, 1858 ; Dr. Smith, 1859 ; Dr. Shaw, 1866, and Dr. Delzell the
same year, and Dr. Cornell, 1867. It is said that M. M. Sill (now of
Monticello) was quite a noted doctor among the early settlers, though
not a regular practitioner.
136 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
CHAPTER VI.
BY ED. A. MOSSMAI
Jackson Township — Early Conditions — Erection of Township
AND First Election — Indians and Game — Miscellaneous Mat-
ters — Anti-Slavery Petition — Mormonism — First Post Office
— Burnettsville — Male and Female Seminary — Idaville — A
Tragedy — Agricultural Association — Churches.
THE first settlement in Jackson Township was made in the vicinity of
the present town of Burnettsville. Thomas Harless, Joseph James,
Eliab Fobes, John Scott and Aaron Hicks settled in that part of the town-
ship in the year 1831 ; but which came first cannot now be ascertained.
Those who came shortly afterward can say no more than that they were all
living there when they came. None of those first settlers are now living
in the township to speak for themselves nor are any of their descendants
there to speak for them. The opinion of many of the surviving settlers
who came a few years after that time is that they all came together, and
formed a kind of colony, or neighborhood there. It is a matter of but
little consequence which came first, however, inasmuch as they all ex-
perienced many of the worst phases of pioneer life. The few roads that
they had were often very bad, and frequently travel was wholly im-
peded in consequence of the streams, across which there were but few
bridges, and those of the rudest construction, becoming swollen by heavy
falls of rain. Of course they could raise no crops for the subsistence of
their families and their domestic animals until they had been there a
sufficient length of time to enable them to clear and fence a few acres of
ground. Those who chanced to be single-handed and had large families
to maintain, and were poor besides, made such slow progress, being thus
overburdened with cares, that it was several years before they could get
their farms sufliciently improved to enable them to make a living by till-
ing the soil. During the interim, truth, to which the writer hereof is an
abject slave, compels him to say that their table comforts were not such
as a true epicure would delight in. Their bill of fare frequently consisted
of naught but hominy, roast venison, and sassafras tea, with the addition
sometimes of baked squash and potatoes. To place all those esculents on
the table at one time, however, was considered rather extravagant living.
For several years there were but few who succeeded in raising more grain
than was sufficient for their own use ; and those who failed to raise enough
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 137
to supply their owa wants were compelled to haul it from the Wea
Prairie, in Tippecanoe County, a distance of about thirty miles. Wea
Prairie was jocosely called '' Egypt," and, going thither to buy corn, was
termed "going to Egypt." Whether in all the land of the Weas, into
which they journeyed, there was a Joseph, possessing the sterling virtues
of the Biblical character of that name, whose patronymic remains an
unsolved enigma, the early settler saitli not. Perhaps he did not feel
sufficiently interested to inquire. The corn he got ; and, with him, that
was the great desideratum. Whilst making those journeys to "Egypt "
for corn, they would frequently have to stop on the bank of some stream,
and wait a day or two for the swollen waters to subside, so that they could
cross. But those men who took it upon themselves to brave the hard-
ships of frontier life in order that they might create homes for themselves
to enjoy in the eventide of their lives, and have a competence to leave
to their loved ones when they themselves "passed over to the majority,"
were not the men to be easily daunted. True, they had a rough ex-
terior ; but the times were rough, and rough was the work they had to do.
True, too, they would be sneered at by the snob of to day, who sports a
massive pinchbeck chain, dallies with a cane, parts his hair in the middle
and wears a double-decker on his empty head ; yet, for genuine moral
worth, for probity, and for good, sound, homely logic, they stood as high
above such snobs as the attic of Heaven is above the basement of
the nether regions. They were generally men of good physique. Men
who lacked this essential qualification of a frontiersman seldom had the
temerity to tackle these unbroken wilds. But is it to the men alone that
the credit is due of transforming this wild waste into the well-improved
and highly productive agricultural district that it now is ? And, shall
nothing be said of the brave-hearted women, whose cheering words ani-
mated and encouraged them, wlien. lieavily oppressed with the burden of
cares that rested upon them, they were upon the point of yielding to de-
spondency ? This history would be incomplete if it omitted to mention
the important part that those courageous and self-sacrificing women per-
formed in effecting this great transformation. Not only did they animate
and encourage their partners with cheering words, and kind and sym-
pathizing looks ; but they acted as helpmates as well. Whilst the men
labored to get the means of subsistence, the women labored and planned
to save ; and by their aptitude in economic planning, their slender means
were made to minister to their wants in many ways that would be truly
surprising to the housewife of to-day. They had no sewing machines in
those days with which a garment could be made in a few hours, as almost
every family has to-day. All the clothing required by the family they
had to make stitch by stitch. Neither were their kitchens graced with
138 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
magnificent kitchen stoves, such as the modern housewife has. All their
baking they had to do in an old-fashioned Dutch oven, which they set
upon a bed of coals, on the hearth, and heaped a lot of live coals upon
the top of it ; and thus whilst they baked the bread, they almost baked
themselves, too.
The houses (if they may be so called) in which the early settlers
lived and reared their families were no palaces. They were made of
round logs or poles, and generally consisted of but one apartment. Those
that were built before the introduction of saw-mills into the country had
puncheon floors, and there was naught but the roof between the occu-
pants and the heavens above. The roofs were of clapboards, which were
held in their places by poles, called weight-poles, being placed upon them.
The doors were the only parts that were made of sawed lumber ; and
the materials out of which they were made the settler either brought
with him or hauled from some distant place. The interstices between
the logs were chinked and daubed with clay, "to expel the winter's
flow." The door was secured with only a wooden latch, which was
raised from the outside by means of a string, called the " latch-string,"
one end of which was attached to the latch, and the other was passed
through a small hole in the door, and hung down on the outside. At
night, instead of going to the trouble of hunting all over the house for the
key, which "the baby" had been playing with, and had lost, no one
could tell where, thereby putting the whole family out of humor, and
causing a general jamboree, they just simply pulled in the " latch-string,"
and all went to bed as serene as a bright, rosy morning in the smiling
month of May. Thus, notwithstanding the multifarious inconveniences
and disadvantages under which the pioneers labored, they had, withal,
some advantages which the people of these modern days have not. If
their neighbors resided at so great a distance that they seldom had the
pleasure of a visit with them, they just laid all their work aside and had
a jolly good time when they did make or receive a visit. The whole
family, even to the dog, went ; and frequently those visits would be
quite protracted, lasting sometimes several days ; or, if it was very sel-
dom that they visited each other, perhaps a week. The male portion of the
families wouW beguile the time with hunting, shooting at mark and various
other pastimes, whilst the gentler sex would pass the time in talking about
— well, it would require a whole volume, and a very large one, too, to tell
all that they did talk about. What was done with the " latch string "
on such occasions the writer hereof failed to find out. It is probable,
however, that there was an insurmountable difiiculty here that more than
countervailed the aforementioned advantages.
Creation of TotvnsMps. — Jackson Township was created in July,
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 139
1843, at the time when the county was first organized, and, as at first cre-
ated, embraced all of White County east of the Tippecanoe River. Its
territory was subsequently diminished by striking off therefrom, at vari-
ous times, other townships or parts of townships. For the periods when
it was so diminished, see other chapters in this history.
First Elections. — The first election held in the township, as shown by
the files at the county seat, was held at the house of Daniel Dale Novem-
ber 7, 1843. The voters at this election were Jonathan Shull, Ephraim
Million, Lewis Shull, James Courtney, Robert Hannah, Ezekiel S. Wiley,
Joseph Dale, Eliab Fobes, George Gibson, Hugh Courtney, John Gibson,
Joseph James, John Morris, Joseph Winegarner, Allen Barnes, George
Hornbeck, William Wiley, Aaron Hicks, John Hannah, John Smith, John
Lowery, William Gibson, Stephen Neill, Robert P. Gibson, William Price,
John D. Vinnage, William R. Dale and William James. This was the gen-
eral election at which Van Buren was elected; and overwhelming indeed
would his majority have been, if each voting precinct had voted as solidly
for him as did Jackson Township. Of the twenty-eight votes cast in the
township, the Democratic electors received twenty-six, and the Whig
electors two. As voters had the right, as the law then was, to vote any-
where in the county, all those whose names appear in the above list
may not have been residents of Jackson Township, whilst the names of
others who were residents of the township may not be in the list,
for the reason that they may have voted elsewhere. As above stated,
this was the first election held in the township, as shown by the files
at the county seat ; yet it is maintained by many of the early settlers
that there was an election held in the township in the spring of the
same year. All that can be said on that point is, if such was the
fact, the files do not show it. It may be, however, that such was the
fact, and that the returns have been misplaced. Such a thing is not be-
yond the range of possibilities, nor even of the probabilities. At an elec-
tion held at the house of Daniel Dale on the first Monday in April,
1837, the following new names appear : Dennis Pringer, Enos H. Stew-
art, William W. Mitchell, Solomon McCully, Madison Reeves, Lewis J.
Dale and Jephtha York. The next election was held at the house of
Daniel Dale, on the first Monday in August, 1838. At this elec-
tion, the following persons voted, who did not vote at either of the
preceding elections : Thomas McLaughlan, Andrew J. Hannah, Silas
Gitt, Alexander Hornbeck, John A. Billingsley, Samuel Smith, John
S treet and James T. Mitchell. At one of the early elections held in
this township, there was but one Whig ticket voted, and that vote was
cast by Andrew Hannah. They tried to prevail upon him to vote the;
Djnocratic ticket, and thus make the vote of the township unanimous
140 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
but he could not see it in that light. He had a principle in view, and
he had the stamina to stand up for that principle, even though he stood
alone. He could not be induced to thus trifle with this most sacred
right of an American citizen for the paltry purpose of perpetrating a
joke. The house in which the first election was held is still standing in
the same place in which it then stood. The last election was held within
two hundred yards of the old house, and at least two of those who voted
at the first election (Robert P. Gibson and John Hannah) voted also at
the last election. The ballot box used at those elections was an impro-
vised affair, and consisted of a hat, with a handkerchif placed over the
top of it., Aaron Hicks was the first Justice of the Peace elected in
Jackson Township. To Daniel Dale was accorded the privilege of naming
the township, and he named it in honor of that patron saint of Democ-
racy, Andrew Jackson.
Indians. — Indians were quite numerous at the time of the ingress of the
first settlers in this township. They were inveterate beggars, very obtrusive
in their manners, and always a "heap hungry." Their begging propen-
sity was a source of great annoyance to the settlers. They would also
frequently kill the settlers' hogs, and appropriate them to their own use,
which far more annoyed the settlers than their begging proclivities. On
one occasion, one of them killed a hog belonging to Joseph James, who
caught him flagrante delicto, followed him to camp, and complained
against him ; whereupon the other Indians tied him up and administered
to him a good sound castigation.
Game. — Game was very plenty in those days, and the settlers used to
have what they termed wolf-drives and deer-drives. Word would be given out
and circulated far and wide over the country, that on a certain day there
would be a drive, and that a certain hour, and a certain designated place
(which was always some one of the numerous small groves that abounded
in the township) would be the time and place of meeting ; also the time
of starting, and the territory to be embraced within the lines would be
stated in this pronuneiamento. Previous to the day set, scaffolds were
erected in the grove, upon which, on the day of the drive, the marksmen
(men selected for the purpose of shooting the game when it should be
driven in) were placed. At the appointed hour, the lines were formed,
with as few gaps and as short ones as possible ; but, as it was not possible
to have the line wholly without gaps of such an extent that the men would
be out of sight of each other, especially at the starting, horns and bells
were used for the double purpose of scaring the game and of preserving
the alignment. Thus they would gradually close in, driving the game
before them ; and, as the deer and other animals would approach the
grove the marksmen, who were placed upon the scaffold, as before stated^
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 141
would shot them down. The number of deer and other animals killed
on these occasions was very great.
Jackson Jurors. — At the first court held in White County, it is said
that every man in Jackson Township, who had resided therein a sufficient
length of time to qualify him to sit on the jury, was on either the grand
or petit jury. Rufus A. Lockwood, who subsequently removed to Cali-
fornia and established a national reputation as an attorney by his able
management of the Mariposa Claim case and other notable cases, ap-
peared as an attorney in this court in an action of replevin. He ap-
peared for the defendant, and it is said that he made a masterly defense.
Morality. — The first settlers were very largely composed of adher-
ents of the Seceders' Church, who are, as is generally known, distin-
guished above most other churches for their sedateness and for the aus-
terity with which they enforce moral discipline among their members,
and especially among their children. Consequently, such things as drunk-
enness, carousing, dancing, swearing, fighting, and other immoral prac-
tices were almost wholly unknown in this township for a good many years,
and, in fact, there is not to-day a saloon in the township, notwithstand-
ing it contains two towns, each of which has a population of about four
hundred. There have been saloons in the township, but their patronage
was so small that the business was not remunerative, and they were soon
closed. Truly, in this the record that Jackson Township has made for her-
self is one to be proud of, and which is deserving of a conspicuous place
in her history.
Vital Statistics. — Alexander Barnes was born in February, 1835,
and was probably the first child born in the township. This is a question,
however, that is somewhat involved in doubt, as there are many of the sur-
viving early settlers who think it probable that some of Joseph James' family
may have been born in the township prior to that time. Mr. James settled
in the township in 1831, and those who came in between that time and
1835 say that he had a large family of children, some of whom were quite
young ; wherefore, they think it altogether probable that some of them
may have been born in the township. Whether they wore or not, however,
cannot be definitely ascertained. Amos Barnes died December 2, 1835,
and, with the exception of two of Joseph James' children, whose names
could not be ascertained, his was the first death in the township. Amos
Barnes' death occurred in the same house in which Alexander Barnes'
was born. John D. Vinnage and Rachel Gibson, who were married in
the spring of 1836, were probably the first couple married in the town-
ship.
Schools. — The first schoolhouse in the township was built about 1836,
and stood about where the northeast corner of the town of Burnettsville
142 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
now is. It was built of logs, and did not differ materially from other
schoolhouses built in those early times. William Dale was the first
teacher who taught in this house. He taught the first two or three terms
that were taught in it. The first school in the township was taught in a
vacant house owned by Ephraim Chamberlain, situated in the southeast
quarter of Section 33, and was taught by James Renwick, The
second schoolhouse in the township was built about the year 1842, and
stood on a part of the farm then and now owned by Thomas Barnes.
Among the early teachers in this house were William Barnes, Melinda
Noah, a man named Shadell, and Henderson Steele. The third house
was built about 1847, on Solomon McCully's land, in the same neighbor-
hood in which the second was built. George Hall taught the first school
in this house. He taught three or four terms, and was followed by Joseph
Thompson, George Barnes, John Bright, Asbury Shultz, William P.
Montgomery and Josephus Tarn.
Anti-Slavery Petition. — About 1837, a memorial and petition,
graphically portraying the enormity of human slavery, and praying
Congress to abolish it in the District of Columbia, was drawn up by
Thomas McLaughlin, a citizen of Jackson Township, who zealously
labored with an ardor born of noble impulses, to induce his neighbors
and fellow citizens to lend the influence of their names to the further-
ance of this noble cause, to the end that this foul blot upon our national
escutcheon might be forever wiped out. Through his untiring efforts,
some eighteen persons, most of whom resided in Jackson Township,
were induced to attach their signatures to this petition. The names
of all the citizens of the township who signed it could not be ascer-
tained, but Thomas McLaughlin, William Gibson, Thomas Barnes, Elijah
Eldridge and Allen Barnes, and probably David Barnes and James
Small were among the number. Thomas McLaughlin, after inefiecfually
exhausting all his persuasive powers in the effort to induce Robert P.
Gibson to sign the petition, said to him, '' You may oppose it as much as
you like, but the time will come and you will live to see it, when slavery
will be abolished, not only in the District of Columbia, but throughout
the United States." This prediction has been fulfilled to the letter.
Mr. Gibson is still living and slavery, that most inhuman of all human
institutions, no longer exists to cause the words to stick in our throats,
when we would boast of the perfect liberty that prevails throughout our
fair land.
A Distillery. — As this is a complete history, " The truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth," must be told. Therefore the
bad, as well as the good, that which is discreditable as well as that which
is creditable, must be recorded. Be it recorded, therefore, that about the
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 143
year 1840, a man named Samuel Smith started a small distillery about
one mile southwest of where the town of Idaville is now situated. He
continued the business there up to the time of his death, which occurred
about the year 1850. He bought a little corn once in awhile, and, when
he could do so, bartered his whiskies for corn. As before stated, it was
but a small affair, as may be readily inferred from the fact that all the
"goods" that he manufactured were disposed of in the neighborhood.
As his distillery was located near the south line of the county, and
as the citizens of Jackson Township were noted for their temperance
proclivities, as previously stated, it is highly probable that the larger
portion of his beverages, by far, were sold to persons residing in Car-
roll County. Of course, the people of Jackson had to have a little
"to make vinegar of," a small quantity for "bitters, to keep off the
ague, you know," a mere modicum "to make liniment of," and "some
to keep about the house for snake-bites and other emergencies."
Mormonism. — Be it also recorded, that about the year 1842, Mor-
monism, that relic of the age of barbarism, obtained a foothold and
had quite a large following among the citizens of Jackson Township.
Out of respect for the feelings of those who then espoused, but have
since renounced, the infamous doctrines of this most infamous denomina-
tion, all names, except those of the emissaries who had been sent
thither for the purpose of propagating the nefarious doctrines of Mor-
monism, will be suppressed. A church, or branch, as they termed it,
was organized at a private house about three miles north of where
the town of Burnettsville is now situated, by Alva L, Tibbetts, a
Bishop in the Mormon Church. This branch continued to exist for
about three years. At the expiration of that time, their meetings were
discontinued and all those whose sensuality (it is too great a strain upon
the credulity for an intelligent person to believe that it could have
been anything else), was so potent as to impel them to turn their
backs upon all their relatives and friends and upon civilization, and
cast their lot among those slaves to the baser passions, emigrated to
Nauvoo. This branch had at one time a membership of about sixty-
five, of whom about two-thirds resided in Jackson Township. There
were three families went from this township to Nauvoo, one of whom
after staying there fifteen days and sixteen nights, returned to their
former neighborhood almost in a state of penury, but with a large
amount of experience. One went from Nauvoo to Iowa and the other
went to Salt Lake City at the time of the general exodus of the Mor-
mons from Nauvoo. During the existence of this branch, besides AlvaL.
Tibbetts, who organized it, as previously stated, there were two other
Mormon propagandists whose names were Ezra Strong and John Martin,
144 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
who frequently harangued the faithful and others whose curiosity led
them to attend their meetings. They professed to be able to speak in
unknown tongues, to heal the sick and all that sort of thing. On one
occasion, they undertook to heal one of the sisters who was quite sick,
and who was the wife of one of the Elders of the branch, but they could
not heal her any to speak of. It might be supposed that this would place
them in a very awkward dilemma, but they very adroitly got out of it by
saying that the sister lacked faith. They established a cemetery about
two miles north of Idaville, in which several interments were made.
Post Offices. — The first post office in the township was established
about 1836, and was named Burnett's Creek. It was located at
Farmington, now called Burnettsville, and the first Postmaster was
William R. Dale. The office is now located at Sharon, about half a mile
north of the old town of Burnettsville, or Farmington, and is still called
Burnett's Creek Post Office. How long Dale was Postmaster is not
known. William S. Davis became Postmaster there in 1850, and held
the office until 1864, when he was succeeded by F. A. Herman. The
second post office was established at Hannah, now called Idaville, in
1860, and the first Postmaster was Alexander Rodgers, from 1860 to
1865 ; Alexander McCuUy, from 1865 to 1866 ; John Barnes from
1866 to 1868; Samuel Heiney, from 1868 to 1869; John C. Hutchin-
son, the present incumbent, from 1869 to . The post office was
first named Hannah, but was changed to Idaville when the name of the
town was changed. Those are the only post offices that were ever estab-
lished in the township.
Burnettsville was laid out in March, 1854, by Franklin J. Herman,
in the northwest quarter of Section 25, and consisted of thirty-eight lots.
Dale's Addition, by Prudence Dale, was laid out in September, 1855,
and consisted of sixteen lots. About 1846, Thomas Riley built a log
dwelling house within the present limits of the town of Burnettsville,
which was the first house built within those limits. The second was a
log building, put. up by David Stephens, about 1849, for a saddler
shop. William S. Davis built the first frame building within the present
limits of the town, in the latter part of 1849, and occupied it as a store and
dwelling. Thomas Wiley was engaged in the blacksmith trade when
Davis moved there, but when he began the business is not known. The
first hotel in Burnettsville was built by John W. Bolinger, at the north-
east corner of the town. The east part of the building had been built
by William Dobbins for a wagon shop, and Bolinger bought him out, and
built the west part as an addition to it. He carried on also a cabinet
shop in a part of the same building. He continued in the business at
that place for a good many years. The second store in Burnettsville was
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 145
Started about 1852, by F. A. Herman. He kept a general stock, con-
sisting of such articles as are usually kept in first-class country stores.
About 1862, John W. Witner went into partnership with F. A. Herman,
and continued with him for about two years, when Herman went out
and formed a partnership with E. R. Herman and John Dixon, under
the firm name of Herman, Dixon & Co. This store was located in
the town of Sharon ; and, after numerous changes of partners, which it
would be difficult and profitless to trace, came into the possession of J.
M. Love & Bro., the present proprietors. There is now no business
carried on in the old town of Farmington or Burnettsville.
Sharon. — The town of Sharon, which is situated about one-half mile
north of Burnettsville, was laid out in 1860. The post office was removed
from Burnettsville to Sharon about 1864, at the time when F. A. Herman
succeeded William S. Davis as Postmaster. The present business of
Sharon is as follows : J. M. Love & Bro., dry goods and groceries •
Andrew Ireland, same ; E. P. Henry, groceries ; David James, flour
and feed.
Farmington Seminary. — The Farmington Male and Female Seminary
was founded about 1852, by Isaac Mahurin. The building was erected
by a joint-stock association, certificates of stock being issued, redeemable
in tuition, but not otherwise. Mahurin taught about two years, and was
succeeded by Hugh Nickerbocker, who taught about three years, when
he was succeeded by Joseph Baldwin. During the time that Baldwin
taught, which was about three years, this school was so popular, and had
such an extensive reputation, that it received pupils from Logansport,
La Fayette, Peru, Winamac, Delphi, and nearly all the cities and towns
in this portion of the State. As a teacher, he was eminently successful,
and very popular. He was succeeded by a man named Goodwin. All
were good teachers, but Baldwin seems to have stood pre-eminently at the
head. Many of the ablest professional men in the State, among whom
may be mentioned the Hon. Calkins, M. C, received their early intel-
lectual training at this institution. At an election held at the seminary,
August 7, 1852. Joseph Thompson, Elijah Eldridge, William York,
Larkin A. Herman, and Aaron Hicks were elected Trustees.
A Storm. — About the year 1852, the town of Burnettsville was
visited by a terrific storm, or cyclone, which completely demolished
the Baptist Church, which was at that time just approaching comple-
tion, and carried several houses off their foundations. The church spoken
of was a large frame structure, about sixty feet in length by thirty feet
in width. The house of John McCormick was entirely blown away,
except the floor, and completely demolished. The occupants of the house,
who were in bed, were left lying there, without a roof to shelter them.
146 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
The track of the storm seemed to be but a few rods in width ; and persons
residing but a few rods from buildings that were demolished, were not
aware, until after it was all over, and they were informed of it, that
there had been a storm of such a terrific and destructive character. Of
course, the storm was quite severe on either side of this track, and yet,
comparatively, it was but slight.
Idaville. — The town of Hannah, now called Idaville, was platted or
laid out March 20, 1860, by Andrew Hannah and Margaret Hannah,
his wife ; John B. Townsley and Rebecca E. Townsley, his wife ;
and John McCully and Murha S. McCully, his wife, on the northwest
quarter of the southeast quarter, and the northeast quarter of the south-
west quarter of Section 28 — "The northwest corner of said town being
330 feet north, eighty-five degrees and thirty minutes west of the center
corner of the aforesaid section." Townsley 's West Addition was laid out
by John B. Townsley, April 22, 1865, and consisted of eight lots.
Townsley 's South Addition was laid out April 22, 1865, and consisted of
twelve lots. Criswell's Addition, by Robert Criswell, was laid out
August 14, 1865, and contains six lots. Gates' Addition of sixteen lots
was laid out December 17, 1872. The first building in the town of
Idaville was erected in the summer of 1859, by Alexander Rodgers, for
a store room. The building was erected before the town was platted, and
it was ascertained when the town came to be platted that the building
stood upon two lots, and it was subsequently removed to another lot and
used as a dwelling. Alexander Rodgers sold goods in this first house for
about one year — from November, 1859, to November, 1860. In the fall
of 1860, he completed the building in which he is now doing business,
transferred his stock to it, and has been doing business there ever since.
He is the pioneer merchant of Idaville, but is now endeavoring to close
out his stock, with a view to quitting the business. The building in
which Alexander Rodgers is doing business being the second building in
the town, the third was a dwelling, built by S. D. McCully, on Lot No.
1, of the original plat. The second store was opened in Andrew Hannah's
warehouse, by John T. Barnes and John McCully. They kept a general
stock, which they afterward removed to William Cochran's building, on
the south side of the railroad. The next store building was built by
Samuel Heiny, for a store and dwelling combined, and is now occupied
by Davis & Carson. The present business of Idaville is as follows : Hall,
Barnes & Son, general store ; J. W. McAlister, drugs ; Alexander Rod-
gers, general store; Heiny & Good, agricultural implements; J. M.
Townsley, drugs; Davis & Carson, general store, and grain merchants ;
G. W. Friday, general store; George Keever, shoe shop; Dillon Marsh,
shoe shop ; John Shafer, barber, and cigars and tobacco ; Henry Bennett,
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 147
grocery; J. C. Hutchinson, hardware; James & McCorkb, blaclssraiths;
David Snyder, wagon-maker ; S. D. McCully, cabinet-maker ; Henry
Ireland, butcher; James Armstrong, John L. Shafer and Marion &
Heiny, carpenters. There is a great deal of lumber and wood shipped
from Idaville, also a great many fence posts. It is probable that there is
more lumber shipped from here than from any other point in the county ;
possibly than from all other points, as there is but very little lumber
shipped from any other part of the county, W. E. Myers set up a port-
able steam saw mill in the south part of Idaville, in November, 1882,
which is run by two ordinary steam thresher engines, one of which is an
eight-horse and the other a ten- horse engine, thus giving him an eighteen-
horse-power. With this mill he cuts from 6,000 to 8,000 feet of lumber
per day. There is also a saw mill about three miles south of Idaville,
•which cuts a great deal of lumber, all of which is hauled to Idaville and
shipped from there. The present population of Idaville is about 400, and
that of Sharon, including the old town of Burnettsville, is probably nearly
asjmuch.
Violent Deaths. — In the spring of 1860, a tragedy was enacted about
two miles north of the town of Burnettsville, which caused a great deal of
excitement in the neighborhood in which it occurred. The chief actor in
this tragedy was Albert Burns, a man somewhat past the middle age of
life, who had been residing on a farm in that neighborhood for several
years. It seems that he had formerly resided in Ohio, and that he there
became jealous of his wife, abandoned her, came to Indiana and procured
a divorce from her. About a year prior to the occurrence of the tragedy
alluded to, she had come to the place where he lived, and they had recon-
ciled their differences and had re- married. During the period of their
cohabitation here, after their re-marriage, they had, apparently, been
living quite harmoniously together. Whether he had new cause, real or
imaginary, for suspecting that his wife was unfaithful to him, or whether
he had wrought himself into a state of frenzy by brooding over what lay
in the past, is not known. However that may be, he ended all the woes
of his earthly existence, at the time previously mentioned, by shooting
himself, after having shot and mortally wounded her who was the real or
fancied cause of them. He also attempted to take the life of her youngest
child, which he disowned. She lived until the next morning. After
shooting her, and before shooting himself, he placed two chairs between
her and the tire-place to prevent her from getting into the fire during her
death struggles. In his case, death is supposed to have ensued instanta-
neously. She was buried in the Winegarner Cemetery, and he on his
farm.
About the year 1877, David Herron received injuries at the hands of
148 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
sotue one (supposed to have been John Kelly), from the effects of which
he is supposed to have died. He stopped at the house of John M. Shafer,
on the railroad, about three miles east of Monticello, and inquired the
way to Reynolds, saying that he did not wish to go through Monticello.
The inmates of the house, observing that he was quite bloody, and that
he acted strangely, inquired of him as to the cause of the blood with
which his face and clothes were covered, and he told them that he had
had a fight with the Grangers. He left there, and that was the last seen of
him until his dead body was found about two days afterward, about two
miles east of Monticello. As the weather was cold at that time, it is the
opinion of some that his death resulted from exposure to the cold, rather
than from the injuries he had received. John Kelly, proprietor of a
saloon in Idaville, and John Toothman, who had formerly tended bar for
Kelly, but who had been superseded in that capacity by Herron, were
arrested on the charge of having murdered Herron. A nolle prosequi
was entered as to Toothman, and he became a witness for the State in
the case against Kelly, who was convicted of manslaughter, and sentenced
to the State's prison for a term of six years. Not being satisfied with the
result, Kelly obtained a new trial, which resulted in his being again con-
victed, and sentenced for a term of eighteen years. Many believe him to
have been wrongfully convicted, and strenuous efforts have been made to
secure his pardon ; but they have been unavailing.
Besides the foregoing, the following deaths in the township have
resulted from other than natural causes : About the year 1855, William
Crose suicided by shooting, about one mile southwest of Idaville. The
felo-de-se was a kind of religious enthusiast, and his mind was supposed
to be a little unbalanced. About 1854, Silas Tam was killed by light-
ning, just east of the town of Burnettsville. About 1861, a man named
Anthony, a conductor of a freight train, had his leg terribly crushed, in
consequence of getting his foot caught in the frog, and died at the house
of Alexander Rodgers, in Idaville, about two weeks afterward. About
1862, the gravel-train was derailed east of Idaville, and three men severely
hurt, one of whom died in about twenty-four hours afterward. About
1849, Ephraim Million was killed about three miles east of Burnetts-
ville, by his team running away with him. About the summer of 1870,
Daniel Leslie was killed by lightning, in Hutchison & Ginn's store in
Idaville. The same electric stroke that killed Leslie tore the boot off
J. C. Hutchison's foot. There were several other persons near Leslie
when he was killed, but none of them were seriously injured. About the
summer of 1881, a man named Scraggs, a mute, was killed on the rail-
road, by the cars, about three miles east of Monticello.
Agricultural Association. — The first fair held in White County was
ARY
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 151
held at Burnettsville, in Jackson Township, about the year 1854, at the
Academy building. This was the only one that was ever held here, how-
ever. It was got up by a few of the enterprising citizens of the town-
ship, in order to arouse an interest in the organization of an agricultural
society in the county, as they believed it to be behind the neighboring
counties in this respect. Their object was soon attained, for, in a very
short time afterward, a county agricultural society was formed. No
entrance fee was required, nor were any premiums paid or offered.
Premiums were awarded, however, and the honor of being awarded the
premiums was the only recompense offered or given to exhibitors.
Churches. — The Associate Reformed at Idaville was organized about
1842. First pastor, John Thompson; early members, Daniel Carson,
Stephen Nutt, John Gibson, William Gibson, George Gibson, Abraham
Neil, Solomon McCully, Andrew Hannah and their wives. About 1852,
they formed a coalition with the Seceder Church. The Reformed Church
built a frame house of worship about 1845, previous to which time their
meetings had been held in private houses. After the union with the
Seceders, they built an addition of twenty feet to their house, and took
the name of United Presbyterians. The Reformed Church had no other
minister than John Thompson up to the time of the union, the pulpit
being vacant a part of the time. Ministers after Thompson were Thomas
Calahan, J. R. Reasun, Gilbert Small and Milford Tidball, the present
incumbent. Present church built about 1870 at a cost of about $2,800.
About 1874, a division occurred in the United Presbyterian Church,
about forty-five withdrawing and organizing a Reformed Presbyterian, or
Covenanter Church, arjd the same year built a church costing about
$2,000. Their ministers have been David Murdock, Hiram H. Brown-
ell and Thomas J. McClellan. Present Trustees, John McGee, William
Downs and John Coughel. Elders, Samuel Montgomery, William Downs
and Andrew Hannah. The Dunkard Church at Idaville was organized
about 1843. Ministers at date of organization, George Patton and Jacob
Inman; subsequent ministers, Henry Klippinger, Uriah Patton, James
Hannah, Robert P. Gibson, Robert Million and David Doolittle. Church
built in 1872, at a cost of $2,250. The Methodist Episcopal Church at
Idaville was organized about 1865. Early members, Samuel Delzell,
James Armstrong, J. A. Vallandingham, and wives, and Mrs. J. J. Ross,
G. W. Friday, J. A. Hamill and Nancy Iden ; ministers, Thomas H.
McKee, John W. Steele, Rev. Jackson, Rev. Bicourt, R. H. Calvert, C.
R. Ball and Winfield Hall. Church built about 1866, at a cost of about
$1,000. Trustees, James Armstrong and George W. Friday ; Stewards,
George W. Friday and Daniel Snyder. The Seventh-Day Adventist
Church at Idaville was organized in July, 1882. Pastors at date of or-
152 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
ganization, J. M. Reece and Victor Thompson ; members, Dr. J. B. Bar-
ton, L. W. Henry, and wives, and John Ellis, George P. Davis, Mrs.
Margaret Wilson, Mrs. Mary J. Palmer, Mrs. Frances Rudgen, Cynthia
Marvin, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Weaver and Katie Kelley. They have, as
yet, no house of worship. Ministers are sent monthly to preach to the
congregation. The Christian Church at Burnettsville was organized at
the residence of Alexander Scott, one mile east of the present site of the
church, in the fall of 1834, with Rev. Reuben Wilson in charge. Reuben
Wilson and Alexander Scott were chosen Elders, and William Hicks,
Deacon. The society, when organized, had thirteen members, viz.:
Reuben Wilson, Elder and Pastor, Elizabeth Wilson, Alexander Scott,
Unity Scott, William Hicks, Christina Hicks, Silas Atchirison, Mary Atchin-
son, Daniel C. Flinn, Joseph Galbreath, Rebecca Hicks, Eliah Fobes and
Sarah Fobes. The church was built in 1853, at a cost of $1,000. Elder Rus-
Bel held a series of meetings here soon after the completion of the church, with
marked success. The ministers of this church have been Elders Wilson,
Scott, Russel, Mullis, Campbell, Winfield, Libbie, Rohrer and Ireland.
Present membership about fifty-five. The Baptist Church in Burnetts-
ville was organized April 4, 1843, with Elijah Barnes, pastor, and thirty-
two members. The following ministers have officiated as pastors of this
church, the dates following their names indicating the time of their com-
mencement: T. E. Thomas, 1844, one year; Elder Waters, short time;
M. A. Kerr, 1849, five years; N. Clark, 1855, three years ; John Dun-
ham, 1859, two years ; M. A. Kerr, 1862, four years ; J. G. Kerr,
1866, two years ; J. 0. Washburn, supply ; Alfred Harper, supply ; L.
C. Cochran, supply ; A. H. Dooley, 1872, nine years ; R. McClary,
1881, one year; Price Odde, 1883, present minister in charge. Present
number of members, eighty-two. Trustees, William York, George Bir-
kit, W. J. Bishop and John York. Names of the original thirty-two
members : Jephtha York, William York, Elijah Eldridge, William Gib-
son, John York, Benjamin Grafton, Jonathan Shull, Henry Bishop,
John A. Bishop, William R. Lacey, Abraham Bishop, Lewis Shull, Will-
iam Ireland, Samuel Ireland, Susannah York, Nancy York, Rebecca
York, Mary Gibson, Nancy Hamilton, Erta Billingsby, Christina Shull,
Margaret Bishop, Christina Bishop, Elizabeth Billingsby, Rebecca Bill-
ingsby, Christina Lacey, Marah Bishop, Patry Shull, Lucinda Ireland,
Mary Ireland and Isabel Shegila.
The Methodist society at Burnettsville was organized in 1843, with
twenty-five members, namely : John Herman, Mary Herman, Stephen
McPherson, Lucetta McPherson, Caleb Mahuren, Matilda Mahuren,
Larkin Herman, Sarah Herman, John Shaw, Susan Shaw, William
Shaw, Eli Shaw, Catharine Davis, Isaac Mahuren, John E. Dale, Joshua
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 153
Tarn, Mitchell Tarn, Catharine Dodge, Prudence Dale, Maria Davis,
Mary Shaw, Martha Million, Margaret Dale, William Stewart and Sarah
Stewart. This church has been served by the following-named ministers :
G. W. Stafford, 1843-44 ; B. Webster, 1844-45 ; G. W. Warner,
1845-47 ; J. Hatfield, 1847-48 ; B. Williams, 1848-49 ; J. M. Rod-
gers, 1849-50 ; J. B. Ball, 1851 ; W. J. Coptner, 1851-52 ; D. Dun-
ham, 1852-53 ; William Reeder, 1858-54 ; P. J. Beswick, 1854-55 ;
W. Hancock, 1855-56; F. Cox, 1856-57; J. B. Mershan, 1857-58;
W. Beckner, 1858-59 ; J. B. Adell, 1860-61 ; J. S. Budd, 1861-62 ;
J. L. Boyd, 1862-63; C. W. Farr, 1863-64 ; H. C. Fraley, 1864-66 ;
G. W. Warner, 1866-67 ; J. S. Budd, 1867-68; C. L. Smith, 1868-69 ;
J. W. Pierce, 1869-70 ; L. T. Armstrong, 1870-71; W. H. Wood,
1871-72; S. Barcus, 1872-73; B. F. Nadell, 1873-74; F. Mason,
1874-75 ; J. E. Steel, 1875-76 ; J. W. Jackson, 1876-78 ; Jephtha Bi-
court, 1878-79 ; R. H. Calvert, 1879-80 ; C. R. Ball 1880-81 ; W.
Hall, 1881-83. The church now has a membership of fifty-two in good
standing, and is in a prosperous condition. The present oflficers are D.
F. Wilson, Class Leader ; James F. Howard, G. W. Calahan, John
Nethercott and Samuel D. Meek, Trustees; J. F. Hourand, James H.
Cochran, William E. Myers and D. F. Wilson, Stewards ; and G. W.
Calahan, Sunday School Superintendent. The church was built in the
fall of 1847, and cost near $900.
The Oldest Resident, etc. — Andrew Hannah has been the longest a
resident of the township of any man now residing in it, he having moved
into it in the spring of 1833, and remained a resident of it ever since.
John Hannah owns 120 acres of land which he entered in 1834, and
which has never been transferred. Jackson Township has as good soil,
as good men, and as good-looking women as any other township in the
county. Her people have always been in the van in all progressive
movements. May virtue continue to make her abiding place among
them, and may they continue to labor zealously in pushing forward the
car of progress.
154 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
CHAPTER VII
BY M. T. MATTHEWS.
Princeton Township — Origin of Name — Organization and First
Officers — The First Settlers — Initiatory Events — Villages
of Seafield and Wolcott— Growth of Education and Religion
— Secret Societies — Justices of the Peace — Incidents,
FIRST settlement.
THE first settlement in Princeton Township had its origin in a portion
known as Palestine, in January, 1843. In the fall of 1842, Henry
Pugh, Nathaniel Rogers and John Cain arrived, and began the erection
of three log houses. Pugh's house was erected on Section 8, Cain's on
Section 5, and that of Rogers on the same section. Pugh completed his
house in the fall of 1842, and in 1843, in January, he moved his family
from Union Township, this county, into the land of Palestine, and began
life in the hewed-log cabin. This family is said to have been the first
one to have commenced permanent settlement in the township. A few
squatters had lived a few months in the township in 1842. In the spring
of 1842, Nathaniel Rogers and John Cain became residents of the Pal-
estine settlement. The humble log domiciles that had been begun in
1842, were now in readiness for occupancy. While there were settle-
ments making and improvements constructing in the land of Palestine in
the early spring of 1843, the attention of the historian is called to Black
Oak Point, in the northwestern part of the township, where a settlement,
that was afterward known as the Black Oak settlement, was being made,
first by James Brown, from Ohio, who was soon followed by Jacob
Myrtle, a man by the name of Gooddale, and Mr. Hemphill. Mr. Brown
was the first man to build a house in this part of the township. The
building was constructed of round logs, and was 14x18 feet in size, had
a puncheon floor, one window, and but for the greased paper in it it
would have been lightless, and the first cabin of Black Oak settlement
would have been totally incomplete without the old family fire-place. The
hewed-log houses erected in Palestine in 1842 were all supplied with the
conveniences of that day. The houses put up by Henry Pugh and John
Cain were each 16x20 feet, while the one built by Nathaniel Rogers was
16x22 feet. Henry Pugh, a noted early-day hewer, did the hewing for
these houses. Some of the other first settlers in the Palestine settlement
PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 155
were Daniel Nyce, Cornelius Stryker, Anson Jewett, Mortimer Modire
and William Bunnell. Joseph Sewart settled in the township in 1845.
Old Mr. Jewett had commenced in Princeton as early as 1844. A
man hy the name of Coon came in 1844. J. B. Bunnell began life in
the wild and Western lands in 1846. J. H. Lear came in 1845, R. C.
Johnson was one of the first men in the township. James Cain, Corne-
lius Van Der Volgen, Isaac Chase, Elias Esra, Aden Nordyke, John C
Morman, Israel Nordyke, Thomas Gillpatrick, and a few others whose
names could not be remembered, are the old pioneers of Princeton Town-
ship. In 1846, settlements in the township became more numerous.
Only those old pioneers who are yet living in the township can realize
the great changes in the same since its first settlement. The entire town-
ship has undergone extensive and important changes. Then the whole
territory of which the township has been formed was one vast wild, with
its extensive prairies and its groves of the oak wood. Over these prairie
lands and through these forests roamed, almost unscared, the wild deer
and the voracious wolf An old settler tells that, in the years 1848 and
1844, flocks of seventy deer could frequently be seen on the prairies, and
as many as five had perished in a single day at the hands of the merciless
hunter. The rude log hut has been exchanged for more comfortable
homes, and grass-covered stable has been supplemented by the spacious
frame barn. A portion of Princeton Township that was once covered
with water during the whole year is now being cultivated, and produces
large returns of cultivated vegetation. The time was when farmers were
compelled to haul their wheat and corn to Chicago or Michigan City.
Imagine a farmer with a four- ox team hauling corn to Chicago, and re-
turning with a barrel of salt and a few groceries. IIow changed are the
commercial advantages of Princeton Township !
Name, Creation and Boundaries. — Princetown Township derived its
name from a ship which in days past plowed the Atlantic, and which
brought to America's free shore Cornelius Van Der Volgen from England
in 1843, and who was one of the first settlers in the territory now compos-
ing Princeton Township. On the occasion of the creation of the township,
Mr. Van Der Volgen suggested to the Board of Commissioners that the
name Princeton be applied to the new township, in honor of the grand old
vessel in which he " came over." The Commissioners accepted the name.
At the March term of the Commissioners' Court in 1844, a petition was
presented, bearing the names of a number of the citizens of the territory
which was afterward known as Princeton Township, praying that such
territory should be known as a new civil township, and thereupon it was
ordered by the board that the territory described as follows should have
a separate township organization : Commencing at the northeast
156 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
corner of Section 1, in Township 28 north, of Range 5 west,
and running south on said section line to the north line of Big
Creek Township; then west along said line to the west line of White
County ; thence north along this line to the corner of White County ;
thence east along said county line six miles ; thence north on said county
line five miles; thence east three miles, to the place of beginning. It was
further ordered by the board that the elections of Princeton Township
should be held at the house of Jordan Cain, and James G. Brown was ap-
pointed Inspector of Elections for the first year. By an order of the
board, the place of holding elections was changed to the house of Daniel
Nyce, June 3, 1844.
Princeton Township is one of the largest in the county, and is bounded
on the north by Jasper County and Monon Township, on the east by
Honey Creek Township, on the south by West Point Township, and on
the west by Benton County. In the township there are sixty-three square
miles. The following are among the first persons to enter or purchase
land in Princeton Township : James F. Adams, 1847 ; John Stuart,
1847; Alfred Harrison, 1846; Thomas Gillpatrick, 1844; Aden
Nordyke, 1846; Israel Nordyke, 1846; Eli W. Morman, 1850;
R. C. Johnson, 1845 ; Jonathan White, 1846 ; John Birch,
1847 ; James McKillip, 1847 ; Cornelius Stryker, 1850 ; Anson Jewett,
1847; Elizabeth Pugh, 1845 ; Mortimer Modire, 1845; William S.
Brown, 1853; Hiram Lear, 1847; John Dyre, 1842; Daniel Nyce,
1842; Peter Benham, 1846 ; Cornelius Van Der Volgen, 1843; Joseph
Stewart, 1841 ; Comfort (prominent in the first history of Pulaski Coun-
ty), 1843 ; Isaac S. Vinson, 1851 ; William Coon, 1843 ; William Blake,
1847. Joseph Stewart was the first man to enter land in Princeton Town-
ship.
Elections. — At an election held at the house of Daniel Nyce, in
Princeton Township, on the 4th of August (first Monday), 1845, the fol-
lowing men voted : Nathaniel Rogers, William Bunnell, Cornelius Van
Der Volgen, John C. Lielfor, Nathaniel B. Volger, Daniel Nyce, James
Cain, Mortimer Modire, Henry Pugh, R. C. Johnson, Joseph Stewart,
Isaac Chase, Elias Esra, Aden Nordyke, John C. Morman, Israel Nor-
dyke, Thomas Gillpatrick and Anson Jewett. This was the vote at the
State election in 1845. At an election held in the township on the 6th
of April (first Monday), 1846, Elias Esra received twenty votes for Su-
pervisor of Roads, and Robert Nordyke received twenty votes for In-
spector of Election. For the office of Fence Viewer, Eli Morman re-
ceived two votes, Anson Wood received two votes, Nathaniel Rogers one
vote, Cornelius Stryker one vote, John H. Lear one vote, and Israel
Nordyke one vote. James Street received twenty votes for Constable,
PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 157
and John Morman received one vote for the same office. At this election,
the following men cast their votes : Elias Morman, Israel Nordyke, John
Cain, John Birch, John Moran, John Lear, Thomas Gill, Joseph Lear,
Anson Wood, Henry Pugh, Daniel Nyce, J. R. Benham, Andrew Mor-
man, M. Dyer, James Street, Aden Nordyke, Benjamin Gillpatrick,
Elias Esra, Cornelius Stryker, Anson Jewett, N. J. Rogers and Leander
H. Jewett. The following persons voted at an election held in the town-
ship on the first Monday in August, 1846 : Anson Jewett, James G-.
Brown, J, C. Moran, J. C. Lueliper, Joseph Woolsey, Henry Pugh, Ben-
jamin Gillpatrick, John Lear, Robert B. Overton, Isaac Jacks, Aden
Nordyke, Daniel Nyce, John Cain, J. Stewart, J. Lear, F. B. Richling,
Thomas Gillpatrick, R. ,G. Johnson, N. S. Rogers, J. Moran, L. H.
Jewett, H. F. Lear, J. B. Benham, C. Stryker, Elias Morman, John
Birch, Elias Esra, A. L. Morman, Robert Nordyke, Jonathan Esra, Will-
iam Dunham, Valentine Mercer, Thomas Coon, Joseph Stewart, Israel
Nordyke, Jacob Evans and Nathaniel Evans. Of this election, J. B.
Brown and R. C. Johnson were Clerks ; Joseph Stewart and Jonathan
Esra, Judges ; and Robert Nordyke, Inspector.
The Flood and the Ague in 18/^4-. — The year 1844 is known as the
wet one in the early history of the township. Old settlers say that it
commenced to rain on the 10th of May, and rained almost continually
until the 4th of July. So wet was it that farmers could not plant their
corn, and most of the ground in the township that had been prepared for
corn could not be used on account of the flood. One old pioneer tells
that it rained so hard and long that for two days and a night the water
stood six inches deep all over his cabin floor, and he was compelled to get
under the dining table to keep out of the rain. It quit raining about the
1st of July, and then a dry season began and the ague commenced in
earnest. During July and August, the inhabitants shook as only one
having the disease in those times could shake. There were not enough
well persons in the township to administer to the wants of those who were
ill. The fever raged furiously, attacking whomsoever it might, until
midwinter of 1844-45. For several years the regular ague seasons were
known in the township. The house of John H. Lear was, for a number
of years, known as the quinine depot for all that section of country. Mr.
Lear would purchase the drug in large quantities at wholesale, and haul it
by ox team to the settlement, and then the neighbors would come and get
as much as they wanted at once or enough to do them until the next sup-
ply should be brought on. Mr. Lear himself was not a regular prac-
ticing physician, but he was known as a great ague comforter, and would
" dish out " the quinine in proportions suitable to the applicant. But the
scene is changed, and in 1870, the ague has, to a great extent, lost its
grip in the township.
158 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
Birth. Death and Marriage. — To Nathaniel and Rebecca Rogers is
supposed to have been the first white child born in the township. The
birth occurred in the month of April, 1844. A man by the name of
Porter, was the first who died in Princeton Township. The death oc-
curred in the fall of 1844, and the remains were laid at rest in what has
since become known as Dobbins' Graveyard. The first couple married
in the township were John Marine and Rebecca Morman. Mr. and '
Mrs. Nordyke, now of Monticello, were among the first persons who were
married in the township.
Schools and Churches. — The first school in the township was taught
in the Palestine settlement, as claimed by some, while others think the
first was taught in the Nordyke settlement. There is not much diff'erence
however, in the time of these schools. The one in the land of Palestine
was taught in 1849, and Edwin Bond was the teacher, while there is
good authority that the one in the land of the Nordykes was taught as
early as 1848, and B. Wilson Smith taught the first school. These schools
were taught in similarly constructed schoolhouses. The one in Palestine
was a round-log structure, 16x18 feet, that stood on Mortimer Modire's
land. This house diifered from most of the schoolhouses of the country.
It had two windows, instead of one, extending the whole length of the
house, one on each side. The Nordyke Schoolhouse was 16x18 feet, and
of hewed logs. Both of these houses were fully furnished with puncheon
seats, and desks of the same material, and the all-consuming fire-place.
The first frame schoolhouse in the township was built in about 1854, in
the Nordyke settlement, about a half mile north of the first schoolhouse
that had been erected in that settlement. The township now has eleven
frame schoolhouses, besides the splendid one in the town of Wolcott. The
Wolcott school building does credit to the town and the township. It was
erected in 1875, by means appropriated by the township and by private
donations. The building is forty- eight feet square, two stories high, and
cost about 16,000. The plot of ground (two blocks) was donated by
Anson Wolcott. Prof. Wright was the first teacher in the new school-
house. In 1879, the school was divided into three departments, and has
since been known as the Wolcott Graded School. Prof. William Ireland
is the present Principal ; Homer Debell has charge of the Intermediate
Department, and Miss Clara Hutton is the Primary teacher. The
school has an average attendance of 120 pupils.
The Christian Church in the Palestine settlement was the first
meeting-house in Princeton Township. This house of worship is a frame
structure and was built (as nearly as could be ascertained) about twenty-
five years ago ; is 24x36 feet and cost about |600. The organizers of
this church or class were Robert C. Johnson and wife, Jackson Dobbins
PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 159
and wife, John Dobbins and wife and Preston Lawson and wife. The
second church built in the township was commenced in 1872 and fin-
ished in 1873. The building is a neat frame, 36x40 feet and cost $2,600.
Mrs. Anson Wolcott donated the ground. This house belongs to the
Methodist Episcopal denomination. The class was organized at Seafield
in 1861, and then was moved to Wolcott. Some of the first members
were John McDonald and wife, George and Sylvester Bicourt and old
Mr. Sexton and wife. Rev. Vance is the present minister. The third
church erected in the township is the Christian Church of Wolcott,
which was built in 1873. This is also a frame structure, 34x54 feet, and
cost $3,500. The first trustees were J. B. Bunnell, elected for five years;
Noble Nordyke, for four years ; A. W. Dyre, for three years ; M. T.
Didlake, for two years, and J. M. Brown, for one year. Rev. William
Ireland is the present minister. The fourth and last church built in
Princeton Township is the Palestine Baptist Church, erected in the
Palestine settlement, in 1874. The building is a frame, 26x42 feet, and
cost about $2,000. Previous to the erection of th^e churches in the
township, public services were held at private houses and at the school-
houses.
Tavern. — The first tavern in the township was built by Henry Pugh
in 1862, in the town of Wolcott; was destroyed by fire, 1872. Mr. Pugh
rebuilt in 1873.
Railroad. — The Pittsburgh, Chicago & St. Louis Railway extends
through the township, east and west, and was completed through on the
last day of November, 1860. The building of this internal improvement
through the township greatly increased the value of land in it, and property
that was once almost valueless is now very valuable
Seafield — a station on the Pittsburgh, Chicago k St. Louis Railway,
three miles east of Wolcott. The first business house at Seafield was
established in 1861, by I. & N. Nordyke, who kept a general merchan-
dise store, and Israel Nordyke was the first Postmaster. The present
business of Seafield is conducted by John Kerlin, who has a general store,
is Postmaster, railroad agent, express agent and a general servant to the
wants of the public.
Wolcott. — This is a town of about 350 inhabitants, situated on the
Pittsburgh, Chicago k St. Louis Railway, in the southwestern part of
Princeton Township; was platted or laid out by Ebenezer and Maria Wol-
cott, on the 15th of May, 1861, and is on land described as follows : The
commencing point of the survey is at the southeast corner of Lot 8, in
Block F, and is 180 feet distant at right angles from the center line of the
Pittsburgh, Chicago & St. Louis Railway and thirty feet west of the
range line, which runs north and south in the center of Range street
160 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
north, eighty-eight degrees west, and the town is laid out parallel with
and at right angles to the railroad. Another description is, that the
town is laid out in the eastern part of Section 25 and the western part
of Section 30. The streets were all laid out sixty feet wide, and the
alleys sixteen feet wide; the lots are all 60x120 feet, except those
along Range street, which are fractional. The plat consisted of
ninety-six lots and the following streets, running east and west : North,
Johnson, Market, Scott, Anderson and South; and Range, Second, Third
and Fourth running north and south. The first and only addition to
the town of Wolcott was made on the 1st of May, 1865, by the
original platters ; the addition consisted of forty-seven lots. Wol-
cott came very near never existing, as Clearmont, about a mile and a
half east of the present site of Wolcott at one time had the lead, but
after the town was laid out the citizens of Clearmont were induced not
to "take up their beds and walk," but to remove their houses to the site
of Wolcott. This was done in the winter of 1861 and 1862. In 1860
(fall), the first store was started in Wolcott by the Stetler Brothers. This
firm kept a kind of a general store and kept only the most staple articles
of merchandise. William Jamason was the first grocer in the place.
This enterprise was commenced about the same time that the Stetler
brothers started their store. John Stetler was the first Postmaster in the
place, and Dr. A. C. Ballou was the town's first physician. John Dobbins
was the first blacksmith in the place. It will be remembered that the
town was platted at the beginning of the late war and there was very
little improvement made in the place until after the close of the rebellion.
In 1872, the town had gained sufficient dimensions to be classed as an
incorporated village, and accordingly the necessary steps were taken on
the 3d of May, 1873. The first officers of the incorporation were:
Noble Nordyke, W. H. Dyke and A. S. Pattee, Trustees; C. A. G.
Rayhouse, Clerk ; James D. Sherman, Marshal ; J. F. Warner, Treas-
urer ; James 0. Johnson, Assessor. The corporation flourished for a
brief period ; had enacted and enforced its ordinances. The goose ordi-
nance of 1874 is said to have occasioned more ill feeling on the part of a
a few individuals than all other ordinances created in the history of the
corporation. The Town Council was termed the goose committee by
several of the geese owners. In 1875, it was discovered that the incor-
poration was an expense without benefit, that the town could not receive
aid from the township in building a schoolhouse as long as it remained
incorporated, and thereupon, in the spring of 1875, the following peti-
tion was circulated and signed by the following persons :
" To the Board of Trustees of the Town of Wolcott, Wliite County, State
of Indiana : We, the undersigned, legal voters of the said town of Wolcott,
PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 161
hereby apply to your Honorable Board, and ask for a dissolution of the cor-
poration of the said town of Wolcott. The reasons which induce us to make
this application are as follows : ' The town is too small to be benefited
by such corporation, except at our expense, and that would be unwar-
ranted. That in our present condition the advantages are outweighed by
the disadvantages.' " Noble Nordyke, William Imes, T. J. Bunnell,
S. W. Dobbins, J. Commer, J. B. Bunnell, A. Bombay, Thomas Kin-
sey, B. P. Lisk, G. A. Hemphill, James 0. Johnson, W. H. Bombay, S.
H. Jones, E. A. Jones, E. W. Peck, J. D. Sherman, H. Miller, J. W.
Chambers, John Finney, A. W. Lisk, M. F. Comett, M. T. Didlake, C.
A. G. Rayhouser, S. J. Dobbins, J. T. Leatherman, John Swartsell,
James M. Burch, Phillip Browne, Frank McDonough, J. B. Hemphill,
and J. N. Bone. The dissolution of the corporation occurred in May.
1876. The last oflRcers of the town (elected on the 4th of May, 1874)
were R. A. Stephens, R. C. Galbreath and W. H. Dyke, Town Board ;
C. A. G. Rayhouser, Clerk ; Henry Stammer, Marshal ; Alfred Plumer,
Assessor ; A. S. Pattee, Treasurer. Thus it was with the corporation of
Wolcott, only a few days, but not very full of trouble.
Wolcott' s Present Business. — The business of Wolcott is represented
by the following persons : Dry goods, D. K. Jackson, Jerome Rigby and
W. Lisk ; grocers, R. Wright and A. W. Dyke ; hardware and harness,
Eldridge and Wynekoof; drugs, C. A. G. Rayhouser; grain dealer,
A. Wolcott ; blacksmiths, George Hemphill, Horace Thornburge and
W. W. Leek ; carpenters, William Shire and Thomas Pugh ; wagon-
maker, John Dun ; meat market, Messrs. Eldridge & Wynekoof and
D. J. Jackson ; shoe-maker and barber, Martin Schneikenberger ; paint-
ers, Frank Sweet and Albert Graham ; railroad agent, telegraph opera-
tor and express agent, J. C. Northlane; milliner. Miss Mary Darrow;
dress-maker, Mrs. Berry ; hay barns, Eben Wolcott and Samuel
Dobbins; lawyers, J. B. Bunnell, W. W. Leek, and C. H. Baxter;
physician, F. A. Grant ; hotels, American House, Henry Pugh, proprie-
tor, Wolcott House, Mrs. Peck, proprietress. Wolcott contains one of
the largest ear-corn cribs in the world. It has the most perfect ventilation
of any ear-corn crib in the country, and has a capacity of 45,000 bushels
of ear-corn. This building was erected according to the specifications of
A. Wolcott. The hay barn, operated by Eben Wolcott, is also one of
the largest in the State. Two presses are used, each of which has a capac-
ity for pressing 36,000 bales of hay during the " pressing" season. J. H.
Baxter is the present Postmaster at Wolcott. The town has two secret
organizations, viz. : Masonic and Sovereigns of the Red Star. The Ma-
sonic Lodge, No. 180, was instituted in May, 1866, and the charter was
granted on the 30th of May, 1866. John B. Bunnell, John B. Hemp-
162 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
hill and William H, H. Rader were the charter members. The first
officers were J. B. Bunnell, W. M. ; J. B. Hemphill, J. W. ; William
H. H. Rader, S. W.
The present officers are as follows: John B. Hemphill, W. M.;
Thomas E. Pugh, S. W.; E.B. Debell, J. W.; Isaac M. Davis, Treasurer ;
C. A. G. Rayhouser, Secretary; George A. Hemphill, Tiler ; James K.
Davis, S. D.; W. H. Dyke, J. D.; James Hemphill and Moses G. Dob-
bins, Stewards ; Preston A. Lawson, Chaplain. The lodge has property
valued at $500, thirty working members, and is in good condition. The
lodge of the Sovereigns of the Red Star was organized, and the charter
granted by R. L. Harvey, of Monticello, on the 31st of October, 1882.
This is a new organization, and Mr. Harvey is the principal originator.
The charter members of the Wolcott Lodge are as follows : Hugh Mc-
Donald, Frank Sweet, Ezra P. Lisk, James Leek, Samuel 0. Dyre, T. A.
Grant, W. W. Leek, C. Schneikenberger, A. Graham, William Schier,
S. A. Worthing, Otis Trowbridge and F. W. Eldridge. The following are
the first and present officers: Sovereign Commander, William Schier;
Sovereign Chancellor, F. W. Eldridge ; Lieutenant Commander, Frank
Sweet; Lieutenant of Citadel, Hugh McDonald; Secretary, W. W.
Leek; Treasurer, S. A. Worthing; Bookkeeper, A. Graham. "Tem-
perance, Truth and Charity" constitutes the motto of the Sovereigns of
the Red Star. The new organization certainly has an exceedingly bright
future.
Justices of the Peace. — The following is a list of the Justices of the
Peace in Princeton Township, from its creation until 1886 : James G.
Burnes, elected on the first Monday in April, 1844, term expired, 1849 ;
Anson Jewett, 1847 to 1851 ; resigned, November 24, 1847 ; Robert S.
Johnson, 1849 to 1854; James Templeton, 1854 to 1858; James
Templeton, 1858 to 1862 ; James Templeton, 1862 to 1866 ; John B.
Bunnell, 1866 to 1870; Lewis A. Goodrich, 1870 to 1874; C. A. G.
Rayhouser, 1874 to 1878 ; Lewis A. Goodrich, 1878 to 1882 ; Ambrose
More, 1882 to 1886.
MONON TOWNSHIP. 163
CHAPTER VIII.
BY ED A. MOSSMAN.
MoNON Township — Origin of Name — Early Elections — Early
Settlers — A Dead Town — Indian Mounds — Early Births and
Marriages — Early Industries — Bradford or Monon — Suicides,
ETC. — Schools, etc. — Religious Organizations — Miscellaneous
items.
THIS township is traversed by two creeks, one of which is known as
the Big Monon, and the other as the Little Monon, and it is from
these that its name is derived. The name of the creeks, and likewise the
name of the township, were formerly spelled Monong ; but latterly the
final letter has been omitted. The name of the larger of these two
streams has undergone a further change from that by which it was known
among the original owners of the soil — the dusky denizens of the western
wilds. Among them it was known as the Metamonong. However, as
the first two syllables of this name signify "big," in the Indian tongue,
the signification remains the same, notwithstanding the/o?-m of the name
is changed. This is a very large township, being very nearly equal in
extent to two Congressional townships. It was created by an order of
the Board of Commissioners, January 5, 1836, upon a petition signed by
eleven citizens. As at first created, it embraced all of White County,
north of the line dividing Sections 16 and 21, of Township 27 north, of
Range 3 west, and west of line dividing Ranges 2 and 8 west. In Sep-
tember, 1836, the south line of the township was moved one mile to
the north.
Early Elections. — The first election in the township was held at the
house of Cornelius Sutton, on the first Monday, and 4th day of April,
1836. The voters at that election were Samuel Gray, David Berkey,
Elihu Line, Thomas Wilson, Ira Bacon, James K. Wilson, Cornelius
Sutton, John McNary, Elias Lowther, William Wilson, James H. Sut-
ton, Melchi Gray, Silas Cowger and Isaac W. Blake ; Judges, Melchi
Gray, Elihu Line and Ira Baker ; Clerks, Samuel Gray and David
Berkey. For Justice of the Peace, Silas Cowger received fourteen votes ;
for Constable, Isaac W. Blake received thirteen votes ; for Supervisor,
Elias Lowther received ten votes and James K. Wilson one vote ; for
Overseers of the Poor, James K. Wilson received six votes, Cornelius
Sutton, eight votes, and Elias Lowther, one vote; for Fence Viewei', Sam-
164 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
uel Gray received seven votes, and Joseph K. Sutton seven votes, and for
Inspector of Elections, Elihu Line received fourteen votes.
The second election in the township was held at the house of Elias
Cowger, on the first Monday in April, 1837, and the voters thereat were:
Elihu Line, Thomas Nang, Amos Cooper, Iru Bacon, David Berkey,
Cornelius Sutton, John S. Stump, James K. Wilson, Silas Cowger, Jo-
seph Sutton, Thomas Wilson, Thomas Mablen, John McNary, James J.
Reiley, John Parker, Samuel Gray, Solomon Gray, Lewis Elston, Mel-
chi Gray, Harvey Sellers, Abel Line and William Wilson.
The third election in the township was held at the house of John
Cowger, on the first Monday in April, 1838. On the tally sheets of
this election, the following new names appear : Lycurgus Cooper, John
Kepperling, Leo Pheagley, Jacob B. Bell, Oliver Hammond, David
Pheagley, William Imes, M. A. Berkey, Jacob Myer, Adamson Bentley,
Philip Sain, M. Bristol, John Cowger, Sr., S. A. Baldwin, Thomas Dow-
ney, James J. Brown, Benjamin Ball, Joseph Woosby, Nelson Jack,
Dennis Line, John Cowger, and Daniel Murray. At this election, Amos
Cooper was elected Justice of the Peace. It thus appears that there must
have been a large number of persons settled in the township between the
years 1836 and 1838. Of the number of those who voted in 1838, but
did not vote at either of the previous elections, a few may have resided in
the township when those elections were held, but did not vote; while
others may have been living in the township, but had not attained their
majority in time to vote prior to 1838; but a large majority of them, no
doubt, moved into the township after the election in 1836.
Settlement. — The first settlement in the township was made in the
eastern part, near the confluence of Big and Little Monon Creeks.
According to common report, the first settler in the township was Corne-
lius Sutton. He was a fur trader and trapper. As he did not continue
to reside in the township very many years, and as he left behind him
none of his progeny, nor none who had come with or preceded him,
the exact date of his settlement in the township cannot be ascertained.
All that can be learned concerning that fact is, that he came prior to
1835, at which time Elihu Line and Isaac W. Blake came into the town-
ship, the former in the month of April, and the latter in the month of
August. He erected a small log cabin about half a mile south of the old
town site of West Bedford, and there resided until he moved out of the
township. The following persons came into the township during the
year 1836 : John Cowger, Amos Cooper, Silas Cowger, Thomas Mack-
len, John McNary, Joseph J. Reiley, John Parker, Harvey Sellers,
Lycurgus Cooper and John Kepperling.
Early Comers. — Following is a full list of the polls in the township in
MONON TOWNSHIP. 165
1841, as shown by the tax duplicate for that year, in the Auditor's oiEce :
Benjamin Ball, Daniel Berkey, Ira Bacon, Daniel Bacon, M. A. Berkey,
William Button, Amos Cooper, Silas Cowger, John Cowger, William
Conklin, Thomas Downey, Isaac Dawson, William Edwards, James
Graves, John Harmison, David Hawk, Martin Judah, Thomas King,
Dennis Line, Charles S. Lowe, Jacob Meyer, William H. Metcalf, Jacob
Miles, Isaac Miles, Thomas Murphy, Joseph Noell, Ayers Peterson, Lemuel
Peterson, Thomas Redding, Harvey Sellers, Jacob G. Thomas and William
Wilson. This should be, and probably is, a complete list of all persons
(males) residing in the township at that time over twenty-one years of age.
The tax duplicate more reliably shows who were residents of a township or
a county at a given time than the poll-books of the elections held in that
year; for, a man may reside in a township, and not vote; but, if the
Assessor performs his duty well, every male inhabitant over twenty-one
years of age must pay a poll-tax, and his name will appear on the tax
duplicate, whether he has any property on which to pay taxes or not.
No tax duplicate for the years prior to 1841 could be found at the
Auditor's oflBce, hence recourse was had to the election returns for the
earlier years. Jesse L. Watson, now of Monon, although his residence in
the township dates back no further than 1856, became a resident of the
county in 1830, at a time when there were but five families in the county,
to wit : Jotham Goddard, Ashby Goddard, William Phillips, Royal
Hazelton and Joseph Thompson. He says that the portion of the county
comprising Monon, and the other townships in the northern part of the
county, was not surveyed until 1832. He came to the county and pur-
chased land in December, 1829, but did not bring his family until the
following spring.
Indian Scare. — It was rumored at one time that the Indian chief
Black Hawk, whose very name struck dread terror to the hearts of the
frontiersmen, and caused mothers to clasp their little ones more closely
to their breasts, was advancing upon the settlement in which Mr. Watson
lived, with a large band of his most ferocious warriors. Almost the entire
settlement abandoned their homes, and repaired to places of greater
security. Mr. Watson, however, after deliberately pondering the subject,
decided that, as he could not leave his home without great sacrifice, and
as he did not think it practicable for Black Hawk to reach the settlement,,
for the reason that he was a long way off and his movements were being
closely watched by a strong force of United States soldiers, he would
keep the matter a secret from his family, and take the chances. As
"the thief doth fear each bush an ofiicer," so the man who is appre-
hensive of an attack from those demoniac savages, who are strangers to
mercy, is startled at the crackling of a twig, or the rustling of a dried
166 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
leaf, and is thrown into paroxysms of terror by the hooting of an owl, or
the howling of a wolf Although it cannot truly be said that Mr. Wat-
son was really apprehensive of an attack, yet the bare possibility of such
an occurrence must have been sufficient to make him exceedingly uneasy
until the crisis was passed. When the scare was over, and the neighbor-
ing settlers had all returned to their homes, then, and not until then, did he
inform his wife of the massacre which was apprehended, but did not take
place ; and he says he believes that she never fully forgave him for keep-
ing it a secret from her.
A Dead Town. — One of the early events in the history of this town-
ship was the laying out of the town of West Bedford, which occurred in
the month of April, 1837. David Berkey was the proprietor, and the
survey was made by Asa Allen, then County Surveyor. The town was
situated at or a little north of the confluence of Little and Big Monon
Creeks. For a time this town flourished and grew like a green bay tree ;
but when the railroad was built, and the town of New Bradford was laid
out, it began to decline. Some of the newer and better houses were torn
down and removed to New Bradford, whilst the older and more dilapi-
dated ones, which were not worth the trouble and expense of moving so
far, were purchased by the farmers in the neighborhood, who made vari-
ous uses of them. At the present time there is but one house remaining
(a dwelling built by Dr. Thornton) of those that once constituted the town
of West Bedford. True, there are a church and a schoolhouse there,
but they were built long since the town ceased to have an actual exist-
ence. The town was beautifully and romantically situated, and, but for
the fact of a rival town springing up, having superior advantages, it would
doubtless have become a town of considerable magnitude. When a mans
days of prosperity are ended, and the chill winds of adversity begin to
blow about him, his former friends cease to take any further interest in
his welfare, or to think much about him. The same is true, though in a
less degree, of a town. Hence, the business that was carried on in
this once thriving little town, and the events of which it was the scene,
have been so far forgotten by those who knew it in the days of its growth
and prosperity, that there are none who can give a thoroughgoing account
of its business establishments in their chronological order. One of the first
(probably the first) buildings erected in the town was built and occupied
by Martin Judah, as a hotel, grocery and dry goods store and saloon com-
bined. "Jack" Heaton, as he was familiarly called, opened a dry goods
and grocery store at a very early date, and his was probably the second
store in town. From first to last, the following business, and probably
others of which no intelligence could be obtained, was carried on in the
place : Dr. Paley kept hotel and practiced medicine ; an Englishman
MONON TOWNSHIP. 169
named Reece, kept saloon and groceries ; John Smith, saloon and a few
groceries ; Nicholas Judah. blacksmith ; a man named Cook, tailor shop ;
a man by the name of Kelley kept a store known among the citizens as
the railroad store. Kelley was there but a short time. His store was
called the railroad store for the reason that he kept in stock such goods
as were needed by workmen on the railroad, the L., N. A. & C. Railroad
being at that time in process of construction. No license for the sale of
intoxicating liquors being at that time required, it is said that all the mer-
chants in the town, as well as those who kept regular saloons, kept whisky
for sale, and it is said to have constituted a large part of their stock in
trade. In fact. West Bedford is said to have borne a very unenviable
reputation as regards temperance.
Indian Mounds. — There are in the vicinity of the original site of the
town a number of Indian mounds, which, as is evidenced by the large
trees now growing on their sides and tops, must have been built many
years before the occupancy of the country by the whites. For what pur-
pose we can but conjecture. Some of them have been dug into, and skel-
etons and Indian relics, such as stone hatchets or tomahawks, and arrow-
heads, made of flint (a species of stone which cannot be found within
many miles of this place), were found in them. It is not probable that
these were regular places for the interment of the dead, for the large
amount of earth heaped upon the skeleton remains precludes that idea.
The more rational theory would seem to be, that there had been a battle
fought at that place between two hostile tribes, and that the slain on one
or both sides had been buried in those mounds, and that they had all been
buried at one time. And whence came the flint, out of which they man-
ufactured their arrow-heads ? Did each individual go in person to the
place where it is to be found and get sufficient for his own individual use ?
or were there among them importers of goods, as there are among us to-
day ? When we begin to speculate upon these questions we are soon lost
in a labyrinth of surmises.
Pioneer Life. — The early settlers of this township, like the pioneers
of all new countries, were subject to many dangers, privations and hard-
ships. They were, as a rule, men of limited means, who were induced
bv the low price of lands to seek a home in these inhospitable western wilds.
Many of them after paying for their lands had not a dollar left, with which to
provide themselves and families with the necessaries of life. If favored
with health, however, money was not absolutely indispensable : for, what
with their frugal habits, their strong arms and plenty of pluck, they
could, by the tillage of the soil with their steady and trusty ox teams,
supplemented by the unerring rifle, procure a livelihood without it. But,
when the main-stay of the family was laid low by sickness, then it was
170 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
that the heavy hand of fate lay upon them with crushing weight, almost
extinguishing the last lingering spark of hope. This has been the ex-
perience of many. The unfortunate ones who became thus situated were
in a truly deplorable condition, for their neighbors, though they were
generally obliging and charitably disposed, generally resided a long way
oif, and, besides, were themselves too poor to render much assistance to
others. Though none actually died of privation, yet there were many,
,no doubt, whose poverty precluded them from obtaining the dainties that
the sick should have to strengthen and bolster up their feeble frames.
The early settlers were put to great inconvenience to get their breadstuff,
on account of there being no mills within easy distance. The very early
settlers had to go to La Fayette to mill ; and as there were but few who had
horses, it generally took four or five days, and if business was very
thriving at the mill, a week to make the trip. In the moving of loads
the ox was the universal motor. " Gee Buck " and " Haw Berry " were
sounds very familiar to the ear in those days of yore. Yea, it was a
sight not uncommon to see the young man of the period, with his fair
Saccharissa by his side, seated behind the fleet-footed ox, pursuing their
way to church, and looking the very soul of bliss. Though these people
were poor in purse, and unsophisticated, they enjoyed life equally with
those of more modern times, whose possessions are greater ; for, though
they had but little of the luxuries of life, they were content so long as
they had the necessaries ; and after all, to be content with life's lot is the
great source and secret of human happiness. The humble husbandman whose
possessions are limited to the means of procuring the necessaries of life,
if content with his lot, enjoys more true happiness than the mighty magnate
who counts his wealth by millions, and is harassed by all the cares which
colossal fortunes entail upon their possessors.
First Birth. — The first child born in the township was John Wilson,
son of James K. and Nancy Wilson, nee Clayton, who was born June 1,
1834. During the year 1835, the following children were born in the
township in the order in which their names are here mentioned, as nearly
as could be ascertained : Lavinia Lowther, Margaret Bacon, Dennis Blake,
Elizabeth Wilson (now wife of Joseph Sain), Clarrissa Berkey (now a
widow of Josephus Lowe).
The -first death in the township was probably that of Mrs. Thomas
Wilson, who died in the fall of 1834.
First Weddings. — James Harrison and Elizabeth Ivers were the first
couple married in the township. They were married about the year 1838.
Probably the next were Amos Cooper and Mary Edwards, about 1839 ;
Benjamin Ball and Martha Kenton were married about the same time,
or v€ry soon afterward. Martha Kenton was a grand-daughter of Sim on
MONON TOWNSHIP. 171
Kenton, the celebrated Indian fighter, whose name is familiar to every
school-boy in the land. Three daughters of Simon Kenton were among
the early settlers of this township. They were the wives of Daniel Mur-
ray, Jacob Meyer and James J. Brown. They all died in the township.
Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Meyer were interred in the cemetery at Monon
Methodist Episcopal Chapel, about three miles northeast of the town of
Monon. Jacob Meyer died at an early date, and his widow married
Matthias M. Thornton. Mrs. Meyer had no children. Mrs. Murray had
a large family, and five of her sons served through the late civil war ;
and it is said that their military record was such as to shed additional
luster, rather than bring reproach upon the name of their distinguished
progenitor, whose civic, as well as military career, was so exemplary as
to be in the highest degree worthy of emulation. Lewis Murray rose to
the rank of Lieutenant in the regular army, and died in the service at
Indianapolis.
Early Mills, etc. — In 1835, Elias Lowther commenced building a
grist mill, on the Little Monon Creek, near its mouth and finished it
during the following year. The buhrs were made, it is affirmed by
some, by Dr. Samuel Korn, at the Battle Ground, and conveyed by oxen
to the place where the mill was built, whilst others affirm that they were
made by Elias Lowther. The latter opinion prevails much more exten-
sively than the former; yet, as these who affirm it speak only from hear-
say, whilst those who affirm the former are older persons and speak from
their own personal knowledge, and are persons of veracity, there can
scarcely be a doubt of its truthfulness. Dr. Korn at that time lived at
the Battle Ground, but afterward settled in this township about three
miles east of West Bedford, where he lived and practiced medicine very
successfully for ten or fifteen years, and there died. His remains lie
burjed at Monon Chapel. Men who have seen those buhrs running, say
they were as true and as nicely balanced as any that they ever saw. When
the mill went down, which it did about the year 1810, those buhrs were pur-
chased by Charles S. Lowe and put into a mill which be built about that
time on the Little Monon Creek, about four miles east of Monon. In a few
years, Mr. Lowe quit grinding grain and traded those buhrs for a horse.
They were removed to Jasper County, and it is not unlikely that they are
still in use. The mill built by Charles S. Lowe, above alluded to, is still
running as a saw mill and is owned by Larkin and Gustavus Lowe. The
third mill in the township was built by Amos Cooper about the year
1846, on the Big Monon Creek, about three miles above West Bedford.
It cost almost $6,000, and was considered a very good mill at that time.
This mill is still running, and is owned at present by Saylers k De
Haven. It still goes by the name of Cooper's mill. A little later, James
172 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
K. Wilson built a saw mill on the Little Monon Creek, near where the
Louisville, New Albany & Chicago Railroad crosses the creek. It did
not run very many years. These are all the mills that have ever been
built in the township. Although they were generally rather insignificant
affairs, or, at least, would be so considered at the present day, yet they
subserved the purpose well of grinding the breadstuff for the early set-
tler and sawing the lumber of which to construct his building.
The year 1844 is memorable as the year of the great flood. The
whole country was inundated and the farmers failed to raise sufficient
grain for their bread-stuff. Many of them got flour from mills at Pitts-
burgh, on the Wabash River, and paid it back next season. The mill at
Pittsburgh was owned by a man named Colton, and he said that all those
who got flour upon those conditions paid promptly when the next harvest
came, except one.
Post Offices. — The first post office in the township was established
about 1838, at the house of David Berkey, on the farm now owned by
Samuel Lowe, and David Berkey was the first and only Postmaster
whilst the office was continued at that place. About the year 1848,
the office was removed to the house of James K. Wilson, just east of
where the town of Monon is now situated. James K. Wilson was suc-
ceeded as Postmaster by Lewis Chamberlain, about 1854. The name of
the first office was Monon, and remained unchanged when removed to the
aouse of James K. Wilson. It was subsequently removed to New Brad-
ford — the name still remaining unchanged. It still retains the name of
Monon Post Office, and the name of the present Postmaster is J. M. Kel-
og. Cathcart Post Office, in the west part of the township, was established
about 1846. It was situated on the farm on which Thomas Jacks now
Mves, and the first Postmaster was Robert B. Overton. Overton was
succeeded by F. B. Rishling, and he by Fleming Phillips, who was
Postmaster at the time when the office was discontinued, which occurred
about 1863. Lee Post Office, in the northwest corner of the township,
was established about the year 1880. The first Postmaster was Calvin
Anderson. He was succeeded, late in 1882, by Mr. Hoover, the pres-
ent incumbent. Onoko Post Office was established in the spring of 1882.
It is situated about four miles northeast of the town of Monon. The first
Postmaster was Colfax Grant. Flowerville Post Office was established
about 1867, with A. A. Cole Postmaster. This post office was situated
in the east part of the township, on a tract of land now owned by Will-
iam Lowe and the heirs of John Berkey. It was moved out of the town-
ship and into Liberty Township in about two years after its establish-
ment. These, it is believed, are all the post offices that were ever
established in the township, with the dates of their establishment and
names of early Postmasters, as nearly as could be ascertained.
MONON TOWNSHIP. 173
Bradford. — The town of New Bradford was surveyed and platted
in March, 1853. James Brooks was the proprietor of the town, which
was located upon and comprehended all the land included in the north-
west quarter of the southeast quarter, the southwest quarter of the
northeast quarter, and twenty-five acres off the west side of the south-
east (juarter of the northeast quarter of Section 21, of Township 28
north, of Range 4 west. There were subsequently two additions made
to the town, the first of which was made by James K. Wilson in
August, 1854, It lay adjoining and immediately north of the original
plat. The second was made by Benjamin Ball in September, 1854,
and is laid off on the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of
Section 21. The first house in the town of New Bradford was Duilt
by Joseph Chamberlain in the spring, of 1853, and occupied by him as
a store and dwelling. It stood on the northeast corner of Fifth and
Market streets.
The second house was built the same spring by Lewis Chamberlain.
It was a dwelling, and stood on the second lot north of the liouse built
by Joseph Chamberlain. The third house was built by William II. Wat-
son in the fall of 1853, and occupied by him as a dwelling and store. It
stood on the southwest corner of Fourth and Market streets. In 1879,
the town of New Bradford was incorporated, under the name of Monon.
The present business of the town with the dates when commenced is as
follows: Cornelius M. Homer, general store, 1865; Leopold Ileidelberger
& Co., dry goods and groceries, December, 1881 ; Turpie Bros., dry goods
and groceries, October 1882 ; J. K. Grady, restaurant and grocery, June,
1878 ; Joseph Pogue & Son, restaurant, January, 1882 ; J. II. Sain, hotel
and grocery, January, 1880; William Lowe, hotel, December, 1882 ; Stru-
del k Strouse, drugs, September, 1882 ; John N. Fagg, drugs, March,
1882 ; J. T. Reed, drugs, May, 1882; Jesse L. Watson, lumberyard, Sep-
tember, 1880 ; E. B. Egbert, hardware and tin shop, December, 1882 ;
Mesdames Judson & Marshall, dry goods, notion and millinery store,
April, 188L; Mrs. James Gwinn, notions and millinery goods. May, 1882;
Theodore Hilderbrand, blacksmiths, December, 1880 ; Denton & Martin, •
blacksmiths, 1876 ; A. P. Allen and A. Wilcox, wagon and carriage shops,
December, 1880 ; J. Goble, boot and shoe shop ; David Beaucharap, boot
and shoe shop ; harness shop, Beaucharap & Son ; meat markets, Robert
Gray, and William Lowe; Benjamin Reynolds, hotel, summer of 1882;
physicians, George R. Clayton, John T. Reed, L. Ramsey, J. W. Fagg,
D. W. Strouse, J. H. Holloway ; attorney, A. K. Sills ; Justice of the
Peace, J. M. Winkley : Town Trustees, Henry C. Blakely, John T.
Reed and William Shackleford ; Marshal, George W. Inaes. Monon is
a lively and flourishing little town of about four hundred inhabitants,
174 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
situated near the center of the township, on the Little Monon Creek, at
the junction of the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago, and the Chica-
go & Indianapolis Air Line Railroads, about half way between Chicago
and Indianapolis.
The railroad company has a very neat and commodious depot, aud
over three miles of side track at Monon. In the winter of 1879 and
spring of 1880, William Scott & Co. built an elevator on the track of the
L., N. A. & C. R. R., in the east part of the town, provided with excel-
lent facilities for cleaning and elevating grain and shelling corn, all of
which work is performed by steam. They are the only parties in the
town engaged in the grain trade, and they were doing a very extensive
business. When the, market is most active, in the fall of the year, they
sometimes buy as much as $1,000 worth of wheat in a single day, and
they probably buy at the average rate of $100 worth per day the year round.
They have Fairbanks platform scales on which to weigh grain by the
wagon-load, as they buy it of the farmers, and track scales, for weighing
it by the car-load, as it is bought or shipped in such quantities. Wheat
generally brings a better price in Monon than in any of the neighboring
towns. The proprietors of these elevators buy grain at other points, ship
it here, unload "it for the purpose of grading it, reload it, and ship it to
the Eastern markets. The grain that they buy of the farmers in the vi-
cinity of the town constitutes but a very small portion of the grain that
they handle at the elevators. 'They have machinery with which they can
shell ten car-loads of corn per day, and can unload and load from six to
eight cars daily. The elevator has a storage capacity of ten thousand
bushels, and capacity for cleaning two thousand bushels per day. They
handle about three hundred car loads of grain per annum. The present
elevator building superseded one that Jesse L. Watson built on the same
grounds several years before, and which had been owned first by him,
then by W. G. Porter, Robert Brown. Marshall & Blakely and William
Scott & Co., the owners of the present building.
Schools and Teachers. — The first schoolhouse in the township was built
about the year 1840, near the town of West Bedford. The first teacher
was probably Salome Bentley, and the second Michael Berkey. Among
other early teachers were David Hall, Peter Scott, Power Moore, Mary
Lindsay, a man named Burns, and a man named Russell. The second
schoohouse in the township was built about the year 1852, at Cooper's
Mill. At the present time, there are twelve schoolhouses in the township,
all of which are frame, and in fair condition. The average wages paid
teachers is about $2.
Monon, with Honey Creek and Princeton Townships, constitutes the
Second Commissioners' District.
MONON TOWNSHIP. 175
Suicidfis, etc. — About 1856, a man came to the house of John More-
craft in the night, and asked the privilege of staying all night, which
was granted. Next morning he started away, and that was the last seen
of him alive. He committed suicide by shooting himself with a pistol,
and was found a short distance from Mr. Morecraft's house dead. No-
vember 24, 1870, Charles M. Dewees committed suicide by shooting him-
self with a revolver. The act was committed in J. M. Kellogg's store, in
the town of New Bradford, now called Monon. He lived about twenty-
four hours. No cause is known for the commission of the act. He was
a young man of good habits, and was highly esteemed by the community.
In the spring of 1876, Linton Brown shot himself, and died in about
twenty-four hours afterward. He shot himself with suicidal intent, and
with the same revolver that young Dewees shot himself with. Like
Dewees, he aimed at his heart and missed it ; as did Dewees, he lived
about twenty-four hours ; no cause is known. About 1876, Dr. McMillen,
of Bradford, not feeling well, went to his medicine case in the dark, and
took a dose of corrosive sublimate, instead of some other drug which he
intended to take, and lived about two hours. It was supposed by some
that he took the drug with suicidal intent, bui such was not generally
believed to be the case.
Religious Organizations. — The Presbyterian society at West Bed-
ford was organized about 1839. Rev. Williamson was the first pastor.
The early members were Thomas Downey and wife, William Wilson and
wife, Mrs. Kepperling and others. The church building was erected
about 1871, at a cost of about |1,500.
The Baptist society at Monon was organized about 1874, with a
membership of about thirty. Among the early members were the follow-
ing : Theodore Hilderbrand and wife, John W. Miller and wife, John W.
Cox and wife ; Lewis McCrary was the first pastor. Following are the
names of the ministers who followed McCrary, in the order of their suc-
cession, as nearly as could be ascertained : J. H. Dunlap, D. J. Huston,
D. S. French, R. B. Craig, A. H. Dooley and Lewis McCrary. They
have no pastor at the present time, nor have not had since March, 1882.
Their church was built in the spring and summer of 1870, and dedicated
in the fall of the same year. The building cost about $1,500.
The M. E. Church society was re-organized about 1861. There had
been an organization a good many years prior to that time, but somehow
it bad been permitted to lapse into nonentity, and there does not seem to
be any one who can now give any further account of the former organiza-
tion, than merely to state that there once was one. John L. Royal was
pastor at the time of the second organization, and William H. Gibson
and wife, John D. Moore and wife, Mrs. Theresa Duvall, Mrs. Susan
176 ' HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
Hebner, William Shackleford and wife were among the early members,
of whom there were about fifteen in all. William Shackleford was the
first class-leader. Following is a list of the names of the ministers who
have ofiiciated as pastors of this churchj as well as of the other churches
in the same circuit : John L. Boyd, Joseph Budd, Cole Brown, George
Guild, Henry Fraley, George Mellender, William F. Jones, J. M. Chaffin,
Hart, H. M. Middleton, John B. Smith, Herman B. Ball, Will-
iam Campbell, George Guild, John E. Newhouse, Robert H. Calvert,
Whitfield Hall, and J. I. McCoy, the present incumbent. William
Campbell died during his pastorate, and George Guild was appointed to
serve during the unexpired portion of the year. During the summer of
1882, they built a very neat church, of moderate size, costing about
$1,500. The parsonage, which was purchased about 1868, at a cost of
$600, is a small one-story frame building, and is adjacent to the church.
Monon M. E. Chapel, about three miles northeast of Monon, was built
about 1871, at a cost of about $1,400. A few of the early members of
this church were John D. Moore and wife, Luther Lucas and wife,
William Brannan and wife, and John Brannan and wife. This society
was first organized about the time of the re-organization of the M. E.
Church at Monon, as before stated. This church being in the same cir-
cuit with the church at Monon, was served by the same pastors. What
is known as the Monon Circuit is constituted of the following churches :
Monon, Monon Chapel, Francesville, and Hanging Grove. There are
divine services at Monon each Sabbath, and at the other points in the
circuit every two weeks.
Secret Society. — Monon Lodge, No. 524, I. 0. 0. F., was in-
stituted at Monon, on the 3d of February, 1876, with the following char-
ter members: W. H. Shackleford, N. G.; Alfred Ball, V. G. ; P. L.
Jennings, Sec. ; J. M. Jost, Treas. ; and J. A. Pearson. On the same
night that the lodge was instituted, the following persons were initiated :
Robert Brown, S. M. Ward, J. C. Ward and Samuel Ball. At the
present time the lodge has a membership of sixty. Officers at the pres-
ent time: W. C. Byers, N. G. ; W. B. Orr, V. G. ; R. Drake, Sec. ; H.
C. Blakely, Treas. ; C. M. Homer, R. L. Smoker and Alfred Ball, Trust-
ees; Edi W. Cowger, D. D. G. M. Regular meetings every Saturday
night.
Miscellaneous Items. — In 1880, there were 260 voters in the town-
ship, and it is estimated that there are at present about 340.
About one-half the township is prairie, and the balance timbered or
upland. The soil is quite productive, and the water pure and wholesome.
There are, in the township, fifteen miles of railroad, which is valued, for
purposes of taxation, at $100,000. The tax levied on the railroad com-
MONON TOWNSHIP. 177
panics, on account of their property situate in this township for the pres-
ent year, and which will be payable in 1883, is |625. It will thus be
seen that not only are railroads useful in the way of furnishing a cheap,
rapid and comfortable mode of traveling, and, likewise, facilities for the
shipment of freights, which could not be otherwise moved, but they are
also large contributors to the public revenues, whereby valuable internal
improvements are made. But the greatest of all the advantages result-
ing from the introduction of railroads into a country is the enhancement
of the value of property, both real and personal.
In 1879, the value of the lands in Monon Township, as shown by the
Assessor's report, was |351,835 ; value of improvements, |86,725 ;
value of personal property, $81,344. Number of domestic animals —
horses, 430 ; mules, 36 ; cattle, 2,436 ; sheep, 1,043 ; hogs, 828. Agri-
cultural products — bushels of wheat, 10,685 ; bushels of corn, 51,875 ;
bushels of rye, 775 ; bushels of oats, 11,332 ; bushels of potatoes, 2,202 ;
tons of hay, 1,441 ; acres of wheat, 954 ; acres of corn, 2,177 ; acres
of oats, 577.
E. G. Egbert & Co., a recent accession to the town of Monon, from
the State of Illinois, contemplate establishing a brick and tile factory at
Monon in the spring of 1883. The consummation of this project is
pretty well assured. When this is done, it will mark a new era in the
development of the resources of this township, as there is a large extent
of territory in the township, especially in the southwest portion of it, that
can then be more perfectly drainexi that has heretofore been possible,
owing to the fact that there was no means of obtaining tiles except by
shipping them from elsewhere, at great cost. There have already been a
goodly number of open ditches dug, but these only partially drain the
land. To bring it into a perfect state of cultivation, some sort of sub-
sidiary ditches, either of tile or timbers, are indispensable.
Monon Township is growing in population at a very rapid rate, A.
K. Sills and Turpie Bros., land agents at Monon, are selling a great deal
of land to parties who design settling in the township. The influx of
population is principally from Ohio and Illinois.
178 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
CHAPTER IX.
BY M. F. MATTHEWS.
Big Creek Township — Creation and Early Officers — The First
Court House — Indian Scare During the Black Hawk War —
First Birth, Marriage and Death — Internal Improvements —
Teachers and Preachers.
A SEMI-CENTURY almost has elapsed since what is now known as
Big Creek Township waa created out of a portion of the territory
composing White County. Backward eight and forty years, or to the
19th of July, 1834, and at a special session of the Commissioners'
Court in that midsummer month, it was ordered that Congressional Town-
ship 20, in White County, and all the territory attached thereto, be and
the same is hereby to be known and designated as Big Creek Township.
This township derived its name from a winding stream of the same name
that finds its way from northwest to southeast through the township, and
is near the geographical center of the same, in its general direction. The
township, as it originally existed, contained ninety-seven and a half
square miles, or 62,200 acres, and had the following boundaries : North
by Union, Princeton and Honey Creek Townships ; east by Union Town-
ship and Carroll County ; south, Prairie Township ; and west by Benton
County. Big Creek Township remained thus constituted until its first
boundary line was broken and its extensive area divided in 1845, when
West Point Township was created out of a territory originally forming a
greater part. The township under consideration is latterly bounded on
the north by Honey Creek and Union Townships ; east by Union Town-
ship and Carroll County ; south by Prairie Township ; and west by West
Point Township.
It was further ordered by the Board of Commissioners, that the house
of George A. Spencer be the place of holding elections in Big Creek
Township for the first year, and James Len was appointed Inspector of
said elections for the same time. Benjamin N. Spencer was appointed
Supervisor of Roads ; George A. Spencer and Armstrong Buchanan,
Overseers of the Poor, and Benjamin Reynolds and Henry Barcum,
Fence Viewers for the first year.
The First Settlers. — A man named Joseph H. Thompson* was the
first white settler in White County. He came to Big Creek Township
* In the chapter on general county matters (Chapter I) will be found an account of elections, etc.,
held in the county before its organization. The account was obtained from the records at Delphi, the
county having been attached to Carroll before it had a separate organization.
BIG CREEK TOAVNSHIP. 179
early in 1829, five years before the county was organized, built a log
cabin, and endeavored to make himself and family comfortable.
The year 1829 designates the time when, from within the limits of
Perry County, Ohio, started two men, George A. Spencer and Benjamin
Reynolds, and after a long and tiresome journey (farther than a Sabbath
Day's journey) and wandering they finally came to an extended halt in
Big Creek Township. These, among the first white men in the town-
ship, walked all the way from the State of buckeye notoriety — traveling
in the day time and shooting such game as they would want for food, and
sleeping at night with an old-fashioned carpet bag for a pillow, and a
single blanket for a protection to them against the chilly autumnal nights
of 1829. As previously stated, these men were among the first of the
Caucasian race in Prairie Township, and they w^ere also among the first to
begin a settlement. Soon after they arrived, they began cutting logs for
their cabin. After a site had been selected for the humble domicile, and
the same barely commenced, Mr. Spencer left its completion in the hands
of Mr. Reynolds, while he himself set out for the home of his nativity,
with an understanding with Mr. Reynolds that he (Reynolds) should have
the cabin completed and ready for occupancy by the time that he (Spen-
cer) could remove the families from their first home to the new one pre-
paring for them in the far West. Winter was already hard at hand be-
fore Mr. Spencer left the newly-begun settletnent, and it was not until
near midwinter when he again reached the Ohio home, but no sooner
had he arrived there than arrangements were begun to emigrate in the
early spring to Big Creek Township, or the territory that now composes
that township. Arrangements were found to be complete on the 1st day
of June, 1830, when Mr. Spencer and family, James Spencer and family
and the family of Mr. Reynolds commenced this onward yet westward
march, and arrived in Big Creek Township on the 20th of the month in
which they started, being twenty days on the road. The three two-horse
wagons, the temporary supplies in one of them, the families in another,
and tools and new country agricultural implements in the third, are some
of the remembered things in the make up of that 1830 emigrant train
that found its crooked way into the new Hoosier country, where it dis-
covered on that June day, as the sun was fast lowering in the West and
the darkness of the night nearing, the completed log cabin that was to
these new-comers a mansion of shelter and protection during the summer
of 1830. This Spencer-Reynolds round log cabin was twelve feet square
and rudely constructed, and was located in Section 13 on a well-
sized hill. In this cabin lived these three families during the sum-
mer and fall, or until late in November, when Mr. Reynolds had erected
a cabin in Section 13, as had also the two Mr. Spencers in Section 12.
180 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
The above mentioned families (fifteen persons in number), who had lived
harmoniously together for several months, had now better and more com-
fortable homes, and the first hut in the township was considered of no im-
portance and was soon thrown down. George A. Spencer's house was
the first of the three that was completed, and hence became the first house
in the township. The one erected by Benjamin Reynolds, and also the
one built by James Spencer were completed soon after George A. Spen-
cer's was finished. The first house is yet standing, mention of which
will be made on another page of the history of Big Creek Township.
In 1831, John Burns came into the township and began settlement en
Section 30. Mr. Burns removed from Ohio. In this same year (1831),
came Samuel Gray, John Roberts, Stephen Bunnell, Nathaniel Bunnell,
Sr., Barzilla Bunnell, Nathaniel Bunnell, Jr. In 1832, Benjamin Spen-
cer moved into the settlement from Ohio, and in 1833 Thomas Spencer
came into the township from the same State, and the same year came
Thomas Bunnell, from the same place ; and William M. Kenton also be-
gan settlement in the township in this year, and came also from Ohio; this
same year (1833) Isaac Beeze and family came from Ohio. This family,
which consisted of Mr, Beeze and wife and six children, came all the
way from Perry County, Ohio, on horseback. Mr. Beeze had two horses
and the larger members of the family took turn about riding. It was late
in the fall when the Beeze family arrived at the house of George A. Spen-
cer, and here it remained until Mr. Spencer could erect a cabin on his land
for it to occupy. On the Spencer farm, this family lived for a number of
years and Mr. Beeze worked for Mr. Spencer. James Barnes came in
1835, and in 18^6 William and Nimrod Worden moved into the settle-
ment. The whole number of families in the township in 1840 was about
fifteen, and numbered about sixty persons.
Elections. — At an election held in Big Creek Township, at the house
of George A. Spencer, oa tlie first Monlxy ia November, 183tJ, the
following men voted : Nathaniel Bunnell, Sr., Joseph H. Thompson,
Thomas Donovan, John Luse, Jesse Grooins, William Carr, Benjamin
Reynolds, Thomas Bunnell, James Shafer, Joseph Phillips, George A.
Spencer, Isaac Davis, Ellis H. Johnson, John W. Bunnell, Daniel Lane,
Nathaniel Bunnell, Jr., B. Bunnell and Armstrong Buchanan ; George
A. Spencer and Joseph Phillips, Clerks ; Nathaniel Bunnell, Isaac Davis
and John Bunnell, Judges. At an election held at the same place two
years later, the following men deposited their ballots : Thomas Dawson,
John C. Suffers, Nathaniel Bunnell, Thomas Bunnell, Stephen Bunnell,
Joseph Phillips, John Brady, Benjamin Reynolds, James Kerr, George
A. Spencer, Joseph H. Thompson, Abraham Boltintrouse, Simon Kenton,
John Reynolds and Jacob Harvey.
BIG CREEK TOWNSHIP. 181
Land Entries. — The following are found among those who first en-
tered land in Big Creek Township : George A. Spencer, eighty acres in
Section 12, January 27, 1830 ; John Bostick, eighty acres in Section
12, October 15, 1830 ; Joseph H. Graham, eighty acres in Section 8,
November 15, 1830 ; Daniel Baum, eighty acres in Section 8, November
3, 1830 ; John Stockton, .eighty acres in Section 7, November 20, 1830 ;
Jeremiah Bisher, eighty acres in Section 9, November 20, 1830 ; Mahlon
Frazer, eighty acres in Section i), November 2, 1830 ; John Russ, forty-
eight acres in Section 9, November 2, 1830; Robert Newel, eighty acres
in Section 18, November 2, 1830; John Miller, eighty acres in Section
19, November 2, 1830; Joseph H. Thompson, eighty acres in Section
25, December 19, 1829; James Kerr, eighty acres in Section 24, No-
vember 2, 1830 ; Thomas Bunnell, eighty acres in Section 1, December
23, 1334; Benjamin Reynolds, 40 acres in Section 1, December 23,
1834 ; Nathaniel Bunnell, eighty acres in Section 2, December 10,
1833; William L. Lyman, eighty acres in Section 5, October 9, 1834;
Zebulon Sheets, forty-seven acres in Section 6, November 11, 1834 ;
Stephen Bunnell, forty acres in Section 14, December 10, 1833; J. C.
Kilgore, forty acres in Section 24, May 18, 1835 ; John Furgerson, forty
acres in Section 25, March 7, 1833.
Spencer House — the second or third in the township (previously men-
tioned) — was a hewed-logone, 16x20 feet, erected in 1830 on Section 12,
by George A. Spencer. This house is still standing, and most of the
logs, though placed in position fifty-three years ago, are as sound as if it
were but yesterday that they were taken from the forest. In 1831, there
■were two additions attached to the original building, and a few years later
this same part was weather-boarded, and this is the reason, no doubt, that it
is in such a good state of preservation. Mr. Spencer set out the first or-
chard in Big Creek Township. The first lot of trees was planted in the
spring of 1834, and two of those trees are yet remaining, and either of
them is thirty inches in diameter. A ten minutes' ride on horseback from
the present residence of Calvin C. Spencer (one of the pioneers of the
township) will bring you to the site of the old historical Spencer House.
This structure of the long-ago, was, in early times, a welcome mansion to
many a lone and weary Tippecanoe Indian, a home to all new-comers, and
a place of rest and refreshment to all those of whatsoever color or tongue
that needed rest. Though this house was the second or third in the township,
though it was one of freedom and much welcome to whomsoever would
ask admittance at its threshold, it has a more extended history, for here it
was that the first Circuit Court in White County was held. In this cabin
the White County Circuit Court was held for two years. The first term
of court was commenced on the 13th day of October, 1834. At this bar,
182 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
a number of the most prominent lawyers of those times practiced, and on
this bench some of the best jurists at that day sat. Among those who
dealt out justice at this bar may be mentioned the names of Rufus Lock-
wood, John U. Petitt, Albert S. White, Samuel Huff, Ira Ingraham,
James Lane, Mr. Finch and a few others. The lawyers all boarded in the
cabin court house, and Mrs. Spencer did the. cooking for the "loose-
tongued" gentlemen while Mr. S. cared for the lawyers' horses and spent
the remainder of his time in keeping the " boys " straight. Mr. Spencer
was a strict temperance man, and always clung to the fittest things of
life, and as a natural consequence, he would not allow profane swearing
in his house. A large oak tree stood about ten rods distant from the
house, and it is said that Mr. S. would not allow any swearing between
that tree and the cabin.
Some time had elapsed before the " naughty " lawyers could prevail
on Mr. Spencer to promise to get them something " to take," but finally
the old gentleman brought home a keg of the best old Kentucky whisky
that could be found, and that night the cabin of justice was changed into
a house of a " down -right good time," and all seemed to feel as if the old
Hoosier State had gone Democratic for the Democrats, or Whig for the
Whigs. Some of the law dealers, ere the morning dawned, became " too
full " for utterance. Kicking one another out of bed and various other
tricks were indulged in by the whiskied legal lights that night. This was
the first and last strong-drink-picnic ever given at the Spencer House.
Mrs. Spencer (commonly known as Aunt Sally) was an unusually good
cook, and what time the lawyers were not engaged in the .court room, or
playing ball, they were found bragging on Aunt Sally's cooking. The first
law suit in the county was held in this cabin, and was the State of Indiana
vs. Jeremiah Bisher. The facts are as follows: The grand jury found
an indictment against Bisher for catching a horse which belonged to John
Roberts, that had come on his (Bisher's) premises, and tying a clapboard
to the animal's tail and setting it at liberty. The case was decided in
favor of the State.
Indians, and Black Hawk Wa7\ — The Tippecanoe Indians at one
time roamed at will through the forests of Big Creek Township, but in no
case did they ever become hostile toward the first settlers of the township.
During the Black Hawk rage in Illinois in 1832, the settlers in the
township imagined that they (the Indians) were preparing to move
against them, and a general massacre seemed imminent ; the excitement
ran high, and in a few hours every member of the settlement was warned
of the approaching foe. No time was lost, and soon all the early settlers
were collected, and as one body they made all possible haste to John
Barr's, on Spring Creek, in Prairie Township. Here a rude fort was
BIG CREEK TOWNSHIP. 183
hastily built of logs and such things as could be obtained. Sentinels
stood guard by night and day. In this fort, the twelve or thirteen families
remained for several days and nights, with scarcely anything to eat or
drink. The bloody-eyed wretches did not come, and the settlers returned
to their homes, and concluded that it was only a scare.
Ague. — For quite a of number of years, in the first settling of Big
Creek Township, the ague seemed to be the greatest " draw-back " to the
new country. Everybody (two exceptions) in the township had the ague,
had it regularly and severely. The scourge would commence generally
in July, and continue until mid-winter, and in some instances the plague
would last all winter. The "shakes" of 1833 were so great that the
chills of 1883 do not compare with them at all. The people in those
days made regular and extensive preparations for the disease. On the
days when the chills were expected, a huge fii*e would be made in the not
small fire-place, and the victim, or victims, wrapped in bed-clothing,
would array themselves before the great log-heap fire, and try the unac-
complishable task of thawing the ague. The disease was in the water,
air, and in fact it seemed present everywhere. The patients were doc-
tored by giving them all the known remedies. Boneset was freely used.
After the first ten years, the pest began to loosen its grip, and finally it
was almost unknown. Those who escaped the ague were Calvin C.
Spencer and an African boy that had been brought into the settlement.
Robert Newell, who came into the township in 1831, was the first Pro-
bate Judge of White County. Mr. Newell would attend court bare-
footed. George A. Spencer was the first Justice of the Peace in Big
Creek Township, and during his lifetime he served in that capacity
for thirty years.
Early Difficulties. — In the first days of Big Creek Township the in-
habitants were compelled to go to Lafayette or Delphi for a physician,
and to the same places to have their milling done, while they would
have to haul their grain and produce to Chicago and Michigan City.
This state of affairs existed until 1840, when the Wabash and Erie
Canal was completed to Lafayette.
Firnt Birth. — Isaac Reynolds, who was born in 1831, is the first
white child born in the township.
First Marriage. — The first contract of this kind in the township was
made by George Bartley and McColloch.
First Death. — A man by the name of Donavan was the first white per_
son who died in the township. The remains were interred in what was
known as the Kenton Burying-ground.
First Hotd. — George A. Spencer kept the first hotel in the township.
This was the famous residence, court house and hotel of Section 12.
184 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
Internal Improvements. — The township has one iron bridge,
across Big Creek, just north of the residence of John Burns. This
bridge was erected in 1872, by the King Bridge Company, of Ohio.
This improvement is 100 feet long, and was built at an estimated cost of
$2,000. The township has two gravel roads in process of construction.
These roads are being constructed according to the Gravel Road Act of
1880. At the completion of these roads, the township will have about
twelve miles of this kind of highway. A. R. Orton is General Super-
intendent of the above-mentioned roads. The New Albany & Chicago
Railway was completed through the township in 1853. This railroad
extends through the township from north to south. Since its completion,
the value of land in the township has greatly increased, and it has placed
a market within the reach of every agricultural industry in the township.
Wheeler. — Wheeler is a flag station in the northern part of the town-
ship, on the New Albany & Chicago Railroad. Charles D.Finney started
the first store at Wheeler about a year and a half ago. The
stock consisted of dry goods and groceries. Mr. Finney is
still carrying on the enterprise. The place has a post office,
Smithson, which was established in 1880, and Charles D. Finney was the
first Postmaster. There is also at this place an extensive tile factory,
which was established in 1879 by Hiram Wheeler. These interests, with
a blacksmith shop, make up the business enterprises of the station of
Wheeler. Mr. W. has, perhaps, the finest residence in the township.
Early Preachers. — The first ministers in Big Creek Township were
Rev. Wood, Abraham Sneathen, Rev. Reed and John L. Smith. These
men all preached at the houses of Nathaniel Bunnell, John Rothrock
and George A. Spencer. They (the ministers) traveled on horseback,
and held services almost every day in the week. The first Sabbath
school was held in the Bunnell neighborhood.
Schools. — The first school in the township was taught in 1834, by
Clinton Munson, in a cabin that stood on George A. Spencer's land.
This was a rude, round log structure, 12x14 feet, and had been previ-
ously occupied by a family, but Mr. Spencer had seats put in it and
prepared for school purposes.
Of this school building, Milton M. Sill, of Monticello, had this to
say a few years ago in an essay on " History and reminiscences of the
schools and teachers of White County," read at one of the teacher's in-
stitutes :
The first schoolhouse built within the limits of White County was
located on the banks of Big Creek, in what was known as the Robert
Newell neighborhood. It was erected in 1834, by the resident families,
consisting of George A. Spencer, Benjamin Reynolds, John Burns, Rob-
JL^. <^;^^^<2'<>0'^^^^^><t-t^^^';^^u<^e^<l-^
r Iril T^KW YORK
BIG CREEK TOWNSHIP. 187
ert Newell, William M. Kenton, Zebulon Dyer, James Shafer, John
Phillips, and perhaps a few others. It was a log structure, with a log
left out on the south side to admit the light ; two puncheons, fastened
together with wooden pins and hung on wooden hinges, formed the door,
which was securely closed with a wooden latch in a wooden catch ; a
string passed through .the door above the latch, and served to raise it from
the outside at all times, unless the pupils caught the master out, when it
would be drawn in, and by barricading the window with benches often
succeeded in delaying the routine of study, and certain to bring upon the
daring culprits the dire vengeance of the master, whose authority was
thus set at naught. The first teacher who occupied this temple of learn-
ing was Matthias Davis, the father of Mrs. David McCuaig, of Monti-
cello, a man of rare mental qualifications for that period, and a genial,
kind and conscientious teacher, who delighted in his work, and who was
universally beloved by his pupils. He could be severe, however, and
would not "spare the rod" whenever his rules, which were few and easily
obeyed, were grossly violated.
The first frame schoolhouse in the township was built in 1850, on
Section 12, in the territory that was designated as District No. 1.
Lucius Peirce was the first teacher. There are eight good schoolhouses
in the township at present, the last one built in 1882, at a cost of about
$600. The teachers for the schools this year are as follows : District
No. 1, E. Porch ; No. 2, Lydia Orth ; No. 3, J. P. Simons ; No. 4, R. L.
Young; No. 5, Anna McGee; No. 6, Dr. S. A. Carson; No. 7, C. E.
Greenfield ; No. 8, Robert Smith. The township has seven months'
school each year, and this year its teachers receive an average per diem
of $2.21. The excellent condition of the schools in Big Creek Township
is largely due to the unceasing interest taken in them by Vaus Dobbins,
the present Trustee of the township. The rude log schoolhouse of forty
years ago, with its huge fire-place, its seats of puncheon and desks of the
same, and its one window with its light of greased paper, has been ex-
changed in this township for good, comfortable, well-furnished frame houses.
The old pioneers of Big Creek Township have nearly all died or moved
away. The only living old settlers in the township are"Calvin C. Spencer,
John Burns, William Burns and Louis Wolverton.
The Deer and Wolf Hunt of IS^O. — The greatest known hunt in the
history of the township was the one in the year above mentioned. The
district in which the chase occurred was bounded on the north by Monon
Creek, on the east by the Tippecanoe River, the line between White and
Benton Counties was the western boundary, and the Wabash River was
the southern line. ISten and boys were stationed all round this line,
about a quarter of a mile apart, and at 8 o'clock on the morning of the
188 HISTORY OF AVHITE COUNTY.
'' drive" each was to move forward with a gait sufficient only to " close
in" at 2 o'clock, in what now is known as the Reynolds Grove. In this
grove three scaffolds had been erected, on which the marksmen of the
day were positioned. No guns were allowed in the ranks. It is said
that men attended this chase from great distances, some of them coming
as far as twenty-five miles. When the spoils were counted, it was found
that fifty deer and a great many wolves had been killed. Both pro-
visions and whisky had been hauled to headquarters, and was as free as
air to the hunters.
Chalmers. — This enterprising' village of about 150 inhabitants issitu-
ated in the southern part of the township, on the Louisville, New Albany
& Chicago Railway. This place was first known as Mudge's Station, but
the name was afterward changed to Chalmers. The plat of Chalmers was
surveyed July 24, 1873, and is on the northwest quarter of the northwest
quarter of Section 34, Town 26 north, of Range 4 west, and was platted
by Jacob Raub and wife. It consisted of 103 lots and the following
streets : Main, which was seventy feet wide ; Earl, sixty-six feet wide ;
First, Second and Third streets were each the same width, sixty-six feet,
while Chestnut was fifty-six feet and Walnut fifty feet in width. The
alleys were fourteen feet wide. The first improvement made on the pres-
ent site of Chalmers was a dwelling-house, erected about thirty years ago
by Shaw & Mudge. The first business house was established in the place
by Clark Johnson about the time the railroad was building through the
town. Mr. Johnson kept groceries and a few dry goods. R. P. Blizzard
was the first blacksmith of the village. The business interests of Chal-
mers at present are represented by W. T. Dobbins, dry goods and grocer-
ies ; C. F. Moore, groceries and boots and shoes ; J. and W. W. Raub^
grain dealers ; Clarrage & Cowger, blacksmiths ; D. H. Shank, carpen-
ter ; Lafayette Mitchell, painter ; W. J. Daugh and A. J. Kent, physic-
ians. The citizens of Chalmers did much in the interest of the gravel
road, which will soon be completed to the village. Vaus Dobbins is the
present Postmaster at Chalmers. The village is blessed with a good
church. The structure is a new frame one, that was commenced in Oc-
tober, 1881, and completed the same fall. This church is 36x45 feet in
size, and cost $1,500. The trustees of this sanctuary are Vaus Dobbins,
George Stephens and W. T. Dobbins. The congregation has about
twenty-five members, and Rev. J. C. Martin is the present minister. The
church is well furnished, and has a seating capacity for about 500, and is
called the Chalmers Methodist Episcopal Church. Previous to the erec-
tion of this place of worship, services were first held in private houses,
and then in the schoolhouse of the village. Ira Chineworth and wife,
Mr. Vanscoy and wife, and a few others were the first persons to hold re-
ligious services in the vicinity of Chalmers.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 189
CHAPTER X.
UY M. T. MATTHEWS.
"Liberty Township — Early Settlers — Social Customs — Elections
— List of Tax-Payers — Land Entries — Churches and Preach-
ers — Schools and Teachers — Post Offices.
SCARCELY had the "Dusky Race" quit the forests of Liberty Town-
ship and paid a last tribute to the peaceful old river that meanders
noiselessly through a portion of the township, than appeared a race of
greater intelligence, which possessed higher ideas of life and civilization,
and laid the foundations of improvement and cultivation. Almost a half
century has elapsed since the first appearance of the white man in Liberty
Township. As early as 1834-85, Crystal D. W. Scott began settlement
in the township on Section 11, and about the same time came Greenup
Scott, and began an improvement on the same section. These men were
among the very first in the township to make impx'ovement. The squat-
ter's shelter and the Indian's wigwam were the only buildings known in
the history of the township until 1834. In 1836, Jonathan Sluyter left
the old Empire State and came to the township, and at the same time
came Hiram and Abraham Sluyter, and began settlement. This year
brought into the township a man by the name of Funk, Squire Hall, John
McDowell, William Fisher, Joseph James and George J. Baum. Baum
entered a tract of land, cleared ten acres of it, built a cabin, but soon left
the township, and the very miniature improvement that he had made fell
into the hands of a man who was contented to have his lot cast in the
wild woods of Liberty Township. Lewis Elston and a man by ihe name
of Louder came into the township in 1836. Abram Sneathen began im-
provement in the township in 1837, as did also James Hughes and John
Parker. Peter Prough and a man by the name of Gebferlin, were among
the first settlers in Liberty Township. Moses Karr came into the town-
ship in 1837, and entered a tract of land and returned to his home in
Butler County, Ohio, but in the spring of 1839, he, with his family, came
into the township and began improvement on the land that had been
entered in 1837. William Conwell began settlement in the township in
1839. Thomas Macklin was one of the first men to begin improvement
in the township. The year 1840 brought David Lucas, and at the same
time came John Shields and Edwin Perry. Jonn C. Hughes came in 1846,
and settled on Section 35. There were others who came about this
time.
190 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
Tax Payers of ISI/^S. — The following is a list of persons who paid
taxes upon land in Liberty Township in 1843: Isaiah Bradick, George
Byers, Perry A, Bayard, Mary Boughmen, William Barcus, George
Boze, Alexander Briggs, Jabez Berry, John Berry, Mercer Brown, John
Bitton, George Brown, Benjamin Ball, John Bell, Samuel Brown, P. A.
Briggs, Benjamin Ball, William Conwell, Phillip Conwell, James Cross,
C. W. Cathcart, David Crom, H. B. Cowles, Marcus Glark, Amos Clark,.
Edward Cowley, Jacob Dibra, Isaac Davis, Thomas Downey, James
Dugan, William Dowell, Lewis Elston, Samuel Funk, John Frazer, Rob-
inson Grewell, Samuel Grewell, James Grewell, Thomas Grant, Benjamin
Grant, Jonathan Grewell, Caleb Hutt, Elisha Harlan, John Hughes,
Isaac Holmes, John Hathaway, E. M. Hall, Henry Hanawalt, William
Ingrim, Isaac Ingrim, John W. Jackson, Moses W. Karr, Robert C.
Karr, Jesse Lazier, Abraham Large, Samuel Laferty, R. K. Lockwood,
Joseph Linzy, Charles Lowe, John Lyman, Arnold Lowther, David
Lucas, Sr., David Lucas, Jr., William Lucas, Jonas Munpeck, Thomas
Macklin, David McConahay, John Middaugh, John McDole, John Mc-
Conahay, William McDole, Ballinger Mikesell, Lindley Moore, Jacob
Myers, Adam Moore, R. M. Miller, Job Martin, William Miller, John
B. Niles, Jonathan Oats, John Parker, Samuel Patten, J. R. Poindexter,
Edwin Perry, Silas Pedan, William Ross, Joseph Rothrock, J. C. Rey-
nolds, Enos Stewart, Ezekiel Sneathen, Dennis Springer, C. D. W. Scott,
Elizabeth Stark, Joseph Smith, J. W. Sluyter, William Stewart, Greenup
Scott, Elijah Sneathen, Joseph Stewart, Abram Sneathen, Samuel Simons,
John Smith, William Stitt, Joseph Shock, Peter Smith, John Sneathen
William Sneathen, Elias Shortridge, C. Smith, Samuel L. Steel, William
Site, Enos Thomas, Robert Thompson, T. W. Thompson, John J. Til-
man, Christopher Vandeventer. John Willey, James Willey, Nimrod
Warden, William Warden, Charles Wright, George Warner, Phillip Will-
iams, Michael Williams. Daniel Wolf, Moses T. Williamson, R. Witting-
ton and Daniel Yunt. Most of the foregoing had made settlement in
the township in 1843.
First Entries of Land. — The names of the persons and the dates of
the first entered land in Liberty Township, are as follows : Crystal D.
W. Scott, 13th of August, 1836 ; William Fisher, 18th August, 1836 ;
Samuel Simmons, same date ; George W. Mclntire, llth November, 1836;
Abram Sneathen, 10th October, 1836 ; John Britton, 27th October,
1835 ; John Parker, 21st July, 1836 ; George J. Baum, 19th February,
1838 ; Jacob Dipany, 14th December, 1837 ; George Merkel, 20th De-
cember, 1837 ; Abel Sim, 19th March, 1835 ; Harvey Sellers, 15th
May, 1837 ; Lewis Elston, 15th April, 1846 ; Henry Hannawalt, 3d
August, 1837 ; John S. Hughes, 14th August, 1837 ; William Caswell,
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 191
3d October, 1837 ; Rodney M. Miller, 17tli May, 1838, John McNutt,
18th October, 1838.
Pioneer Homes and Early Days. — The cabin homes in the first
days of Liberty Township are yet remembered. Around each one of
them is entwined the vino of sweet memory, and the old logs in many of
them seem to send forward through the lapse of remembered years a
history undying. The houses of the long-ago in the township were of
two kinds, viz., round and hewed logs. The common or ordinary size
of the round-log cabin was 16x18 feet, while that of the other was 18x20
feet. An old pioneer, in describing one of the first cabins, says, in sub-
stance : "The little old 16x18 round-log cabin yet lives in the recol-
lections of all those who occupied them ; the old fire-place, around which
the family would gather during the long evenings in winter time, yet re-
mains unforgotten. The puncheon floor, the one miniature window that
possessed not a window-pane, except one made of greased paper, the old
leather-hinge door, with its ponderous wooden latch, and the old stick-chim-
ney, are some of the unforgotten things connected with the first cabin
homes of Liberty Township." The early comers in Liberty Township
sought two places mainly, the northern and the southwestern parts of
the township. There are numerous marshes in the township yet, but-
measures have already been adopted for a more extended system of drain-
age and, erelong, wet and unprofitable land in Liberty Township will be
unknown. The country was densely wooded, as a general thing, but
there were large tracts of openings. The pioneers settled in the thick
wood and cleared their farms, and now, when the farms are cleared and
well improved, and the farmer has so adjusted his affairs that he could
enjoy life, his time on earth is well-nigh done. The old log house to
live in and the new frame or brick one to die in is the story emphat-
ically told. The trading of the early days was done at Chicago,
Michigan City and Logansport. Most of the grain and produce Avas.
hauled to Michigan City, many days being required to complete a trip
to market and return. Much of the hauling in those early times was
done with oxen ; sometimes there would be three or four yokes hitched
to one Avagon. There were about thirty Indians in the township in
1836, but they soon left.
In 1837, game of all kinds was very plenty. In was not an uncommon
thing to see twenty or thirty deer in one herd. The old settlers were
nearly all good hunters, and would kill from fifteen to twenty deer each
winter. The deer from the forest, the chickens from the prairies and the
huckleberries from the marshes, afforded the early settlers means of sus-
tenance. John C. Karr used to kill deer and salt them down after the
manner of salting down pork in these later days. In that way, Mr. K.
would have venison all summer.
192 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
Creation of Township. — At the September term of Commissioners'
Court in 1837, it was ordered that all that portion of White County lying
east of the Tippecanoe River, and north of the north line of Section 16,
Township 28 north, of Range 3 west, constitute a new civil township and
to be designated as Liberty Township ; and it was further ordered that
all that portion of Pulaski County, lying immediately north of the new
township be attached thereto. The house of Crystal D. W. Scott was
designated as the place for holding elections. At the May term of the
Commissioners' Court in 1838, a petition, bearing the name of Jonathan
Sluyter and divers other citizens of Monon and Liberty Townships, was
presented, praying a change in the boundary lines of the township, and it
was ordered, thereupon, that the east side of Monon Township be at-
tached to Liberty Township, and to be bounded as follows : Leaving the
Tippecanoe River at the point where the south line of Section 16 crosses
said river, thence west, parallel with the section line to the southwest
corner of Section 16, in Township 28 north, of Range 3 west, thence
north, parallel with the section line to the north boundary line of White
County. Liberty Township is in the north tier of townships, and is
bounded on the north by Pulaski County, east by Cass and Jackson
Townships, south by Union, and west by Monon and Union. In 1839,
the township was divided into two road districts. All that portion of
the township lying north of Section 16 constituted Road District No.
1, and all south of this section line. District No. 2. Christopher Vande-
venter, Supervisor of Road District No. 2, in 1840, made his annual
report to the Commissioners, which was approved by them and they ordered
that Mr. Vandeventer be allowed the sum of 75 cents for extra service
for the year 1840. In 1848, John S. Hughes was allowed the sum of
$4 for services rendered as Overseer of the Poor in the township, from
the first Monday in June, 1848, until the first Monday in June, 1849.
"The "spoil " system was not so thoroughlyintroduced into politics in those
early times as it is at present.
First Elections. — The first election held in Liberty Township was at
the house of Crystal D. W. Scott, on the first Monday in April, 1838,
and at it the following men voted : Christopher Vandeventer, Joseph
Smith, John McDowell, Greenup Scott, Benjamin Grant, Andrew
Beechum, Jonathan W. Sluyter, Crystal D. W. Scott, James W. Hall,
Thomas Hamilton, John Parker and James Baum. At this election,
twelve votes were cast, and James W. Hall received the whole number
of votes for Justice of the Peace ; Crystal D. W. Scott, for Inspector
of Elections ; Jonathan W. Sluyter, for Constable; Joseph Smith and
Thomas Hamilton, for Overseers of the Poor ; John Parker, for Super-
visor ; and Andrew Beechum and Greenup Scott, for Fence Viewers.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 193
At an election held at the same place on the first Monday in August,
1838, men voted as follows : Abrara Sneathen, Andrew Beechum, Evan
Thomas, Christopher Vandeventer, John Parker, C. D. W. Scott, Will-
iam Davison, James W. Hall, Thomas Hamilton, Elijah Sneathen, Ben-
jamin Grant, V. Sluyter, James G. Brown, Joseph Smith, William Gary
and W. W. Curtis.
At an election held in the township on the first Monday in April,
1839, twelve votes were cast and John McNary received the whole num-
ber of votes for Constable; C. D. W. Scott, for Inspector ; John McDonald,
Supervisor for First District ; and Andrew Beechum, for Second District ;
John Morris and Greenup Scott, for Fence Viewers ; and Daniel Baura
and Elijah Sneathen, for Overseers of the Poor ; C. D. W. Scott, Thomas
Lansing and John McNary, Judges ; S. W. Hall and Christopher Van-
deventer, Clerks. At an election held in the township in 1848, there
were seventy votes cast. The early elections gave the inhabitants a
chance to meet each other and become acquainted with the settlers living
in the different settlements in the township. Elections in those long since
gone days were more of a social nature rather than strictly partisan
meetings, where party politics was the leading topic of discussion.
First Marriage. — Perhaps the first wedding that ever occurred in
Liberty Township took place in the spring of 1839, at the log cabin of
Greenup Scott. Elijah Sneathen and Sarah Gruell were the contracting
parties. The ceremony was performed by some now-forgotten Justice of
the Peace. Weddings in those days of yore were " few and far between,"
and were generally attended by all the neighbors, even though some of
whom lived five or six miles from the scene of the transaction. In those
good old days, everybody not only appeared happy, but such was the fact.
Those days, when everybody was poor alike, when castes were unknown
in society, before the days of petty differences and neighborhood quarrels,
were the constant happy days of the country.
Birth. — William Boze is the oldest man in the township that was
Liberty Township-born.
First Death. — James Hall was the first white person who died in the
lownship. The remains were interred in what has since become known as
Hughes' Burying Ground.
Old Mrs. Sneathan, who died in 1838, was one of the first persons de-
ceased in Liberty Township. The body was laid at rest in Clark's
Graveyard.
Early-Day Schools. — One morning" in the early autumn of 1837, the
sounds of Jonathan W. Sluyter's ax rang clear and meaningly through
the unbroken forest. The sounds seemed to say: The children must be
taught. We must educate or we must perish. Schools, the hope of our
194 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
country, Mr. Sluyter, -when interrogated by some passer- by as to what
he was doing, replied: " Am building a schoolhouse." This schoolhouse
was the first in the township. It was constructed of round logs, was fif-
teen feet square, had a large fire-place, was supplied with backless pun-
cheon seats and had one w^indow. David McConahay taught the first
school. Funks, Conwells, Halls, Sluyter and Louders patronized the
school. George Hall taught a term in this house, and the school at that
time numbered about fifteen pupils. In 1838, John C. V. Shields taught
a school at his house. The term lasted one quarter; reading, spelling
and ciphering were the branches taught. Lester Smith taught a three
months' term at his house. In about 1840, Jonathan W. Sluyter built a
second schoolhouse near where the first one had been erected. This
structure was built of hewed logs, and in all respects was a much
better house than the first one put up. In 1845 or 1846, a schoolhouse was
erected on Section 22. The first frame schoolhouse in the township was
what was known as the Cullens Schoolhouse.
The township contains eleven frame schoolhouses. There were 406
pupils admitted to the schools during 1882, Moses Karr, Christopher
Vandeventer and Crystal D. W. Scott were the first Trustees in the
township, and George W. Riffle is the present Trustee.
The schools in the township have made^reat advancement in the last
ten years, and they are leading the way to higher and greater develop-
ment in civilization.
Preachers and Churches. — Rev. John Scott was the first circuit-
rider that ever journeyed through the township, and Rev. Abram Sneathen
was the second. These Gospel patriots held meetings at private houses-
first, and afterward at the schoolhouses.
The first denomination to organize a class in the township was the
New Light. The organization was created at the cabin-house of Crystal D-
W. Scott, in 1837. Here services were held for two years. In 1839, a
church was built in the new Scott settlement. The structure was twen-
ty-five feet square, and built of round black oak logs. Abram Sneathen
was the founder of this church, and its minister. Crystal D. W. Scott and
wife, Greenup Scott and wife, Mrs. Gruell and daughter, and Jonathan
W. Sluyter and wife were some of the first members. For a time, the
church here was well attended, but at the close of the first decade the
work of saving souls at this old rustic sanctuary was abandoned.
The Baptist class at Sitka was the second religious organization in
the township. This is a branch of the Monticello Baptist Church, and at
the time of the organization of the class at Sitka the following persons
constituted the total membership : J. C. Hughes, R. Hughes, Laura
Hughes, Thomas Hughes, Catherine Hughes, E valine Hughes, S. L.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 195
Hughes, Sarah Hughes, Phoebe Myres, Violet Morgan, Mary Week,
William Fleming, Phebe Funk, Benjamin Reed, Mary Reed, Luther
Wolf, Lydia Wolf, John W. Morgan, Ruth Wolf, Samuel Wolf, Eliza
Wolf, William L. Wolf, Terrissa Wolf, Amanda Wolf, Lydia Criswell,
and Mary Benjamin. This organization was effected in 1850, and serv-
ices held in the Sitka Sclioolhouse. The church was built in the fall of
1873. This is a frame structure, 35x45 feet, and built at a cost of $1,100,
John C. Hughes donated the ground. A. H. Dooley was the first minis-
ter; then Lewis McCrary was employed for one year, and at the end of
that time Dooley was recalled and is the present minister. The church
has a present membership of fifty.
The Christian Church, located about one mile northwest of Sitka,
is the third church that was built in the township. The year 1874 dates
the erection of this well-constructed frame edifice, which is 34x50 feet,
and cost about $2,000. Phillip Conwell donated the ground. Dr. Scott
and wife, William Williamson and wife, Larkin Craig and wife, Joseph
Mourer and wife, and the Edwards family, constituted some of the most
prominent first members. Rev. Harrison Edwards was the first regu-
larly employed minister who preached in the new church, and Rev. Lilly
is the present pastor. The congregation numbers about forty members.
The fourth and last church erected in Liberty Township is the Dun-
kard Church at Sitka. This church is also widely known as the Church
of God. The structure, a neatly built and well-furnished one, was put
up in the autumn of 1880, at a cost of $1,000. The class was organ-
ized about twenty-five years ago, and until 1880 meetings were held in
private houses or at the schoolhouses. Joseph E. Hughes and wife, Levi
Wafer and wife, J. Hoffman and wife, Robert Conwell and wife, James
Conwell and wife, were some of the first advocates of the " Dunker "
doctrine in the vicinity. George Patten and wife were the founders of
the class. Uriah Patten was the first minister. The church has fifty
active members.
The township already contains three churches, but there is a move-
ment advancing in the northern part under the management of the Pres-
byterian denomination for the fourth ; $600 have been subscribed and the
erection of this church is engaging the attention of some of the most
prominent citizens in Liberty Township north. The site for the edifice
has been donated by John C. Karr.
Post Offices. — The first post ofiice in the township was what was known
as Buffalo, and was established at the farmhouse of Jonathan W.
Sluyter, about the year 1857, and Mr. Sluyter was the Postmaster. The
oflSce existed for several years and then was discontinued. Efforts are
making for the re-establishment of the Buffalo office. About 1867, the
196 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
Flowerville office was established. This office was also at a private house,
on the west side of the the Tippecanoe River ; A. A. Cole was the first
Postmaster, and Joseph Shell is the present incumbent. The third and
last post office established in the township is the Sitka Post Office, which
was started at Sitka in April, 1880. Allison Hughes was the first Post-
master. Hughes ran the office nearly two years, when R. Hughes was ap-
pointed. Allison Hughes kept, in connection with the office, a small
stock of general merchandise, but last year sold his entire stock to J. A.
Read for |200. Mr. Read is Sitka's only merchant, and has about $1,000
invested.
Miscellaneous. — Drs. Randal and Scott have been the township
physicians. Jonathan W. Sluyter, Crystal D. W. Scott, Greenup Scott
and Abram Sneathen were the noted early-day hunters. Mrs. Williams
was one of the first and prominent weavers in the township. The new
iron bridge across the Tippecanoe River, at what is widely known as
Moore's Ford, is one of the best in the county. The bridge is in two
parts, one 165 feet long, and the other 135 feet. The bridge has stone
abutments, and was erected in 1882 at a cost of about $14,000. The
Columbia Bridge Company, at Dayton, Ohio, have the honor of putting
up this creditable structure. On the Williams farm are some remain-
ing traces of the work of Mound-Builders. The work consisted of
building four mounds, the highest one of which is about nine feet. These
mounds have never been thoroughly investigated. About twenty years since,
some boys opened one of them, but upon the discovery of a few bones,
became frightened and at once abandoned the investigation. Hatchets,
tomahawks, stone axes, pipes and other Indian relics have been found in
the vicinity of these mounds.
CHAPTER XI
MATTHEWS.
West Point Township — First Settlement — Formation of Town-
ship — First Elections and Voters — The First Schoolhousb
AND Teacher — Land Entries — First Birth, Marriage and
Death — Church Interests — Forney Post Office — Meadow Lake
Farm, etc., etc.
ABOUT the year 1835 dates the appearance of the Caucasian race
in the territory that now comprises the township of West Point.
Perhaps the first men who began improvement in the township were
Messrs. Shelby Hudson and Oscar Dyer, who established themselves in
WEST POINT TOWNSHIP. 197
the northeastern part of the township. The houses that these men erect-
ed were about a half a mile apart, similar in their construction and
arrangement. Each house was 16x18 feet, built of split trees ; each had
its roof of clapboards ; its small garret, which was accessible only by
means of that old dangerous garret ladder ; its one small and paneless
window ; and last, but not least, the old-fashioned fire-place.
Before the snows of 1835 had whitened the earth, Isaac Vinson and
family left the State of buckeye notoriety and started on their way with
one two-horse wagon and a buggy attached, to White County, Ind.
The journey was a tedious one, taking twenty-nine days to make it. The
family would travel during the day and at night would "camp out."
Provision was brought with them from the old home, except bread, which
was purchased of families along the route. The buggy that Mr. Vinson
brought with him served two purposes — Mrs. Vinson and the two chil-
dren would ride in it during the day, and at night it was converted into
a sleeping apartment for the whole family. Mr. Vinson settled first in
Union Township, where he lived until the spring of 1838, when he re-
moved to West Point Township, and purchased the improvement that had
been begun by Shelby Hudson in 1835. When the Vinson family set-
tled in West Point Township, the Pottawatomie Indians were quite
numerous. An Indian camping ground lay just across Big Creek, and
only a short distance from the Vinson settlement. The wild men of the
prairie and forest would come to Vinson's house for favors and to do trad-
ing. The articles they had for trade were of Indian manufacture, or
such as they could obtain by hunting. Old Mrs. Vinson did considerable
trading with the Pottawatomie tribe, and tells that many times she has
bartered two or three cold corn cakes for the saddles (hindquarters) of a
deer, and that it was no uncommon occurrence for two or three saddles
to be exchanged for one loaf of wheat or rye bread. In the early days
of West Point Township, the deer were as numerous almost as the trees
in the forest, and game of all kinds was exceedingly plentiful. One
winter, Mrs. Vinson made a trap and caught 101 prairie chickens. In
1838, John Price came into the township and began settlement, but his
wife was taken ill in mid-summer of the same year, and in the fall the
family retraced its steps to its native home in Ohio, which was about
thirty miles north of the Queen city. A short time afterward, Mr. Price
returned alone to his newly-commenced settlement in West Point Town-
ship, and almost immediately upon his return to the township, he was
taken sick with inflammatory rheumatism, and for three months lay in
an almost helpless condition at the Vinson House. The following spring,
Price sold all his possessions and left the township. Isaac Beeze, a noted
hunter, came into the township in 1837. It is said of Beeze, that his
198 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
desire was so great for hunting, that he would go for days without eating,
and as many as twenty unskinned deer have been known to be in his
smoke-house, frozen stiff, at a time, and Beeze still hunting. Beeze
never made much improvement, and soon left the township and settled in
Pulaski County, where he was killed by a man by the name of Rader, a
fellow who had served a term of years doing muscle work in the interest
of the State without compensation. He had regular meals, however. The
remains of Beeze repose in the Brookston cemetery, unmarked and un-
cared for, and thus endeth the earthly history of the once noted hunter
of West Point Township. Sylvanus Van Voorst began settlement in the
township about the year 1841, and about the same time came John Van
Voorst and Drury Woods, and began for themselves homes in the then
new country. In 1841, Dr. Halstead, the first physician in the township,
came from Ohio, and began improving a home in the new country, and
at the same time came his brother, Bartlett Halstead. William Jordan
removed from Tippecanoe County in 1844, to the settlement in the town-
ship. As early as 1843, James Carson and Gideon Brecount began im-
provements in the territory. In 1847, Thomas Matthews removed from
Clinton County, Ind., and began settlement in the township on Section
3. In 1852, the territory had added to its number of inhabitants James
Thomas, Jr., Cicero F. Thomas and Joseph Thomas, Sr. The first set-
tlements made in West Point Township were principally along the point
of timber that extends through a portion of the township, near Jordan's
Grove, and in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the township.
Settlements in West Point Township were more numerous after 1850
than they had hitherto been.
Township Formation. — At the June term of the Commissioners'
Court, and on the 3d day of June, 1845, it was ordered by the board that
a new civil township be organized within the bounds of White County,
and the new township was to be comprised of the following described terri-
tory : All of Township 26 north. Range 5 west, and all the territory west
to the county line. It was further agreed by the board, that the new
township be designated in the roll of townships as West Point Township.
This name was derived from a point of timber that extends into the town-
ship several miles. This appropriate name the township has since
retained. West Point Township is one of the largest in White County^
is nine miles long and six miles wide, and has an area of fifty-
four square miles, or 34,560 acres, and has for its northern boundary
Princeton Township ; eastern, Big Creek ; southern, Prairie and Round
Grove, and western, Benton County.
The major portion of the land in West Point Township is of that kind
known as rolling prairie. The soil is a black sand loam, except in the
WEST POINT TOWNSHIP. 199
northeastern part, which is of that quality common to sand ridges or wet
prairie. The township has about thirty-five miles of public drainage,
constructed at a cost of $35,000. In addition to the public ditches, the
township contains much private drainage. West Point Township con-
tains one of the finest walnut groves in Western Indiana. It is known as
Jordan's Grove, and contains 320 acres of valuable walnut timber. The
board ordered, further, that the election of West Point Township be held
at West Point Schoolhouse, and Gideon Brecount was appointed Inspector
of the election.
First Elections. — At an election held at West Point Schoolhouse on
the first Monday in August, 1845, the following men voted : Ira Emery,
Sylvanus Van Voorst, Alexander Page, Jesse Tinnison, William Vodyce,
Isaac Beeze, William Jordan, John Halstead, Barney Spencer, Gideon
Brecount and Isaac S. Vinson.
At an election held at the same place one year later, men voted as
follows: William Price. John Q. Patterson, Isaac S. Vinson, Alexander
Page, Joseph Tapp, Sylvanus Van Voorst, William Jordan, Joseph Mar-
tin, William Vandyke, John Wallston, Jesse T. Vinson, Gideon Brecount,
Isaac Beeze, Simon Warren, John Halstead and Thomas Emery. At the
first of these elections there were fourteen votes cast, and at the last six-
teen votes. There were seventy-eight votes cast in the township in 1865,
and 240 in 1882.
School Interests. — The first schoolhouse that was built in West Point
Township was erected about the year 1844, and near the site of the pres-
ent West Point Schoolhouse. The building was a round log structure,
18x24 feet, and was noted for its floor of puncheon and its backless seats.
James Carson taught the first school, which numbered ten pupils, some of
whom were obliged to come a distance of several miles if they attended
school. At this schoolhouse the first elections in the township were held.
The first frame schoolhouses erected in the township were built by
Abram Van Voorst, who hauled the material from Delphi for them. One
of the houses was erected on Section 7, and the other on Section 15.
The buildings Avere similarly constructed, and were 20x24 feet, and cost
$500 each. There are now nine frame schoolhouses in the township,
the last one having been built in Centennial year. The following are
the West Point Township teachers for the current school year, and the
district in which they are teaching: No. 1, Walter Carr; No. 2, Robert
A. Laurie; No. 3, Flora McKee ; No. 4, William F. Fisher; No. 6,
Samuel Young ; No. 8, Flora Thomas ; No. 9, Jennie Wallace ; No. 10,
J. C. Jackson ; No. 12, Frank Moore. Benjamin Walker is the present
School Trustee of the township.
First Land Entries. — The following is a list of some of the persons
200 HISTORY OF AVHITE COUNTY.
who entered land in West Point Township, and the date of the entry is
also given : Thomas H. Brown, 1836 ; Joshua H. Scarff, 1839 ; I. T.
Vinson, 1841 ; Jacob Nyce, 1841 ; Andrew Brown, 1836 ; George Mc-
Gaughey, 1835; John Lewis, 1835; Armstrong Buchanan, 1835; Nathan
Goff, 1837; John Hutchinson, 1837; William Galford, 1834; John F.
Bunnell, 1834 ; Shelby Hudson, 1834 ; Oscar Dyer, 1836 ; John Price,
1836; Isaac S. Vinson, 1836; Thomas H. Hibbard, 1836; Charles P.
Kirkland, 1836; Michael C. Doughtery, 1836; Jacob Walker, 1836;
Calvin Finch, 1836. There were many tracts of land entered in the
township by persons who made no improvement, but held the land in a
speculative sense simply.
The first frame dwelling house in West Point Township was erected by
John Van Voorst. The material was brought from Lucas County, Ohio,
by canal boat to Pittsburg, in Tippecanoe County, and then wagoned
across the country to the building site in West Point Township.
First Birth. — The first white child born in West Point Township is
supposed to have been Miller Beeze, a son of the old hunter of the
township.
First Marriage. — James Carson, the township's first school teacher,
and Miss Lydia Brecount were the first persons who were married in
West Point Township. The marriage occurred in 1840, and Isaac Vin-
son and wife, Samuel McQuin and wife, and Isaac Beeze and wife were
some of the persons who attended the wedding. A Presbyterian minis-
ter from Monticello sealed the twain as one.
First Death. — An infant child of John and Mrs. Price that died in
the summer of 1838, is the first death that occurred in the township.
The death of William Vinson (son of Isaac S. and Mrs. Vinson), on the
21st of August, 1838, was also one of the first that took place in West
Point Township.
Ministers and Churches. — One of the first preachers that ever
preached in West Point Township, was a circuit rider by th6 mama of
Lee. Rev. Lee was a representative of the orthodox faith and an advo-
cate of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and preached at the Old Vinson
House, and during his administration held several protracted meetings at
that place.
A Methodist Episcopal class was organized in the township about
1844, and a log church was erected on Section 2, Range 5 west.
The United Brethren in Christ held services in the township in No.
2 schoolhouse. The only church in the township is the Presbyterian
Meadow Lake Chapel, situated in the northern part of the township.
The structure is a well-built frame structure, 26x40 feet, built in 1877 at
a cost of $2,000. The class was organized at the Meadow Lake School-
WEST POINT TOWNSHIP. 201
house in 1874, and Jesse McAllister and wife, Oliver Wilson and wife,
E. G. Roberts and wife, Samuel Snyder and wife, J. Duryea and wife,
James Blakemore and wife and Christian Miller were the organizers of the
class. William Campbell was the first minister who was called by the
congregation to preach in the new church. John Smith was the second
minister ; Campbell was recalled and preached for several years, and was
succeeded by Angus Taylor. The church has no regular minister at pres-
ent. The congregation numbers fifty members.
Forney Post Office. — West Point Township has one post oflSce, and
that is located on the Lafayette & Wolcott Mail route, and is in the
southwestern part of the township. This office was established in 1881,
and James Rittenour was the first Postmaster. John W. Forney is the
present incumbent. The ofiice has a tri-weekly mail, and serves as a great
accommodation to the people residing in that section of country.
Meadow Lake Farm. — West Point Township contains a number of
fine and splendidly improved farms, but if there is one that deserves a
more special mention than another, it is, perhaps, the Meadow Lake Stock
Farm, in the northern part of the township. This farm contains 900
acres of choice land, and is owned by Chicago's greatest express and
omnibus man, Frank Parmalee, and is superintended by his son, C. K.
Parmalee, and under his efficient management is fast becoming second to
none in Indiana. Located on the Meadow Lake Farm is one of the larg-
est,as well as one of the best and most conveniently arranged,barns in the
State. This improvement was commenced in 1880 and completed in
1881. The barn is 75x150 feet and forty-five feet high, contains 375,-
000 feet of lumber, and was built by Thomas Pugh, of Wolcott, at an esti-
mated cost of $12,000. Mr. Parmalee is sparing no pains, labor or capi-
tal in making his farm one of the best stock farms that the country
afibrds. This farm is supplied with thoroughbred stock, and is a credit
to its founder and an honor to West Point Township.
202 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
CHAPTER XII.
BY M. T. MATTHEWS.
Cass Township — First Settlements — Birth and Marriage — Cre-
ation OF Township — Name, etc. — Educational Growth and
Interest — Election — 1851 Tax-Payers — First Entries of Land
— Drainage — Post Office — First Preacher, etc.
IT is not remembered who was the first man to make improvement in
the once wild territory that now composes Cass Township, but Chris-
topher Vandeventer was one of the first white men to begin a settlement.
From the Empire State, in the spring of 1837, came Vandeventer, who
located on the south branch of Indian Creek. Here, a cabin 20x26 feet
was erected of round logs. Settlement was commenced on Section 12
in 1837, by Daniel Yount, and the same year came Tavner Reams, and
began settlement in the township. In 1838, Edwin Perry settled on Sec-
tion 27. Philander McCloud, Joseph Headlee and Josiah Dunlap were
among the first to settle in the township. Charles Reed came in 1840.
Jesse Millison was one of the pioneers in Cass Township. John Poole
settled in the township at an early day. Stephen Moore came in 1845.
William McBeth began an improvement in 1847. John Burgett, com-
monly distinguished as Dutch John, settled in the northern part of the
township in 1846. On Section 35, Elias Vanaman began settlement about
1848. William Bare settled at a very early day in the history of Cass
Township, on Section 34. Robert Acre, Robert Blackburn, William
King, Benjamin Bare and Henry Bare were among the very first settlers
in the township.
At the time of the United States survey of lands in White County,
the territory that now comprises Cass Township was returned by the Sur-
veyor as condemned, or dead, land, but in 1837 Gen, Tipton, Congress-
man from this section at that time, introduced a bill into the Lower House
providing for the survey of the territory, which was done in 1839 by
Richard Vanesse, of Logansport. For many years, Cass Township was.
known as the " Lone Township."
Pioneer Life. — The coming of each family to Cass Township meant
the erection of a cabin, and another settlement in the forest by clearing
the ground and preparation for crops. These clearings for the first year
or two were usually limited to an acre or two planted to corn and vegeta-
bles, with, perhaps, a patch of oats and wheat. To be successful in those
days in raising grain and "garden truck," required great vigilance to
protect them from the depredations of the wild turkey, deer, raccoon,
THjT
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CASS TOWNSHIP. 205
squirrel and other pestiferous animals with which the country in those early
times abounded ; though these seemingly early-day pests, in many re- "
speccs, served a valuable purpose in affording almost the entire supply of
meat to the settlers. In common with the experience of all frontiersmen
in the settlement of a now country, the early settlers were subjected to
many hardships and privations, and often the most heroic fortitude was
required to overcome the seeming insurmountable obstacles. The prod-
ucts from the miniature improvement in the clearing, and the game that
was secured by the ever-trusted rifle, afforded subsistence for the family.
The spinning-wheel and the loom supplied the cloth for clothing and
household purposes, save, however, where the prepared deer-skin and the
furs from the mr-bearing animals were brought into use. Luxuries in
those early days were obtained at a great cost, and many times at no
small sacrifice. Groceries and the most common kinds of merchandise
were catalogued as extras, and only to be indulged in sparingly. In the
first days of Cass Township the nearest trading points of any prominence
were Chicago, Michigan City and Logansport. To these places grain was
hauled and produce taken under the most trying circumstances, and at
prices so insignificant that the farmer of to-day would not consider them
of sufficient magnitude for the mere transportation over the best roads.
In the face of all these impediments to be surmounted, there was real and
unalloyed happiness to be found in the pioneer's cabin. In those primi-
tive days, their wants were of the most simple, and wholly in keeping with
their surroundings. Society knew no castes or factions, and the only
recommendation needed to obtain a membership was good character ; and
even the want of this was not always taken into consideration. For the
young men and the young women to attend church bare-footed was not
considered a disgrace, and for the whole families to eat, sleep and live in
one room was the rule, and to be in the enjoyment of more than this was
the exception.
In the early times of Cass Township, huckleberries formed one of the
greatest productions, and from means obtained by selling this production
were taxes on lands paid.
First Birth. — It is not distinctly remembered who was the first per-
son born in Cass Township, but George Vandeventer, a son of Christopher
and Elizabeth Vandeventer, was one of the first white children born within
the limits of the township.
Marriage. — In the fall of 1840, occurred one of the first marriages
that took place in the township. Andrew Hamilton and a Miss Beechum
were the contracting parties.
Township Creation. — From the formation of Liberty Township in
1837, until the creation of Cass in 1848, all the territory now inclosed
206 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
by the boundary lines of the township last mentioned remained attached
to Liberty for election purposes. On the 7th of June, 1848, it was
ordered by the County Commissioners that all that portion of Liberty
Township contained in Congressional Township 28 north, of Range 2
west, be declared a political township, and receive the name of Cass.
Just why this township was distinguished as Cass is not clearly known.
Some suppose that it received its name from the number of cast-iron
plows used in the township at that time ; others affirm that it was given
this distinction on the account of bordering on Cass County, and still
there is a third class who declare that the township was so called in honor
of Senator Cass, of Michigan, at that time prominent in State and Na-
tional politics.
Cass Township is the northeast township in White County, is six miles
square, and contains 23,040 acres, and is bounded on the north by
Pulaski County, east by Cass County, south by Jackson Township, and
west by Liberty.
It was further ordered by the board, that the place of holding elections
in the township be at the house of Daniel Yount, and Albert Bacon was
appointed Election Inspector for the year 1848. For several years, the
elections in the township were held at private houses.
Educational Groivih and Interest. — The first school in the township
was taught in a round log cabin that stood on the northeast quarter of
the northwest quarter of Section 6. The first term of school was taught
during the winter of 1848-49, Samuel Gruell, teacher. Mrs. Anna
McBeth taught a summer term there in 1849. To this school, Christopher
Vandeventer sent five pupils, a man by the name of Horim, four; Daniel
Germberlinger, two ; Tavner Reams, two ; William McBeth, two ; Peter
Prough, two ; John Baker, of Pulaski County, two ; Daniel Yount, two ;
Albert Bacon, three. The second school was taught by Mrs McBeth in
a round log house that stood on the land of William McBeth, on the south-
east quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 6, This term was taught
during the winter of 1849-50, and was attended by about twenty pupils.
Mrs. McBeth was a lady of great intelligence, and possessed the natural
qualifications for an early-day instructor, and therefore was a successful
teacher in the first schools of Cass Township.
The first schoolhouse in the township was erected about the year 1850,
on the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 8. This was a
hewed log structure, 22x26 feet, and was considered a great improvement
over the houses that had been the first schoolbuildings in the township.
William McBeth, Alvin Hall, Milton Dexter, Walter Hopkins and James
Potter were some of the first teachers who taught in this house. What is
known as King's Schoolhouse, on Section 6, was built about 1853, and about
CASS TOWNSHIP. 207
1857 two frame schoolhouses were erected, one on the northeast quarter
of the northwest quarter of Section 7, and the other near the center of
Section 9. The township now has eight frame schoolhouses, the last one
having been built in 1882. The teachers for the schools during the cur-
rent school year are :is follows : Samuel Calhiway, Reid's ; W. B. Wiley,
King's ; Anna Rathform, Popcorn ; Laura Guthrie, Union ; EfFa Guthrie,
Wickersham ; James Mills, White Oak ; Leonidas Rizer, Fairfield ; Adda
Murry, at the new schoolhouse. There were 218 pupils admitted to the
schools in the township last year. The round log cabin, 'with its seats of
puncheon and total inconvenience, has passed into oblivion, and in its
stead appears the modern schoolhouse with all the improvements of the
day. The school of scarcely a score of scholars in 1848, has been ex-
changed for eight schools with more than a score of pupils each. From
the first days of education in the township, the advancement has been
steady and marked, and to day there is presented a more extended system
of culture and civilization. The old-fashioned spelling-schools and a
singing-geography-school were, in the early days, well patronized by the
sturdy young pioneers in their home-spun suits, and the lasses in their
long-ago-day "frocks." The amusements at an early-time spelling-match
recess or a singing-school intermission, are yet pleasant reminders of the
now dead past.
Election. — At an election held in the township, at the house of
Daniel Yount, on the first Monday in August, 1849, the following men
voted: John Brooke, Christopher Vandeventer, Jonathan Reams, David
Vaublosicon, James Brooks, John Hildebrand, Daniel Yount, Andrew
Brooks, Tavner Reams, Peter Rowler, E. Yount, Enos Yount, Albert
Bacon., Alexander Yount, Wesley Noland, Henry Daniels, Jeremiah
Pool, George Brooke and William Poole. Wesley Noland and Alexander
Yount, Clerks ; Albert Bacon, Jeremiah Pool and George Brooke, Judges
of this election, at which twenty-two votes were cast. The returns of the
first election held in the township could not be found.
1S51 Tax-Payers. — The persons who paid tax on land owned in
Cass Township, thre?^ years after its creation, were as follows : Josiah
Broadrick, George Brooke, Eli Bare, James Brooke, Benjamin Bare,
Robert Blackburn, William Bare, John Burkes, Henry Bare, John Bare,
James Bulla, Albert Bacon, Thomas Cadwallader, John Comer, Daniel
Diltz, Robert Daniels, Elias Downs, Harvey Daniels, Archibald Daniels,
Samuel Fries, James R. Fowler, Harvey Headlee', William M. Haskins,
Walter Haskins, John Hildebrand, George Reams, William King, John
Long, G. J. Listee, S. Lassel, William Bath, Thomas McMillian,
Ephraim Millison, Solomon Mosso, George McConnell, Wesley Noland,
Frederick Ort, John Peters, Edwin Perry, Jeremiah Pool, Asa Perrigo,
208 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
William Pool, Jonathan Reams, Tavner Reams, John Rathbon, Jerome
Reams, Zachariah Beel, Maxwell Puse, Charles Reid, Peter Roller,
Lemuel Shoemaker, A. J. Searight, Samuel L. Stie, Mary Timmons,
William Timmons, Michael Williams, Joshua Williamson, Nancy Will-
iamson, Ephraim Woods, James Yanlon, Christopher Vandeventer, Elias
Vanaman, Sr., Elias Vanaman, Jr., Daniel Vanaman, David Vaublosi-
con, Daniel Yount, E. Yount, Enoch Yount and Alexander Yount.
Land Entries. — The first land entered in the township was by Chris-
topher Vandeventer, on the 1st of December, 1838, and then followed
other entries, as follows : Samuel Burson, December 3, 1838 ; Joseph
Smith, December 17, 1838; Leonard Shoemaker, July 30, 1839;
Thomas McMillian, June 21, 1838 ; Alexander Searight, Sr., June 7,
1838 ; Samuel Long, October 7, 1839 ; Robert Acre, August 20, 1847 ;
Elias Vanaman, August 30, 1848 ; Jacob Young, October 24, 1849 ;
Daniel Vanaman, August 30, 1848 ; Thomas Townsley, April 1, 1844 ;
John Jaslen, August 22, 1846 ; James R. Fowler, July 15, 1844 ; Isaiah
Broadrick, February 20, 1845; Ephraim Millian, February 20,1845;
John W. Williamson, August 8, 1843 ; Samuel Fry, June 25, 1844 ;
Albert Bacon, August 17, 1846; Jacob W. Hunt, February 2, 1846 ;
John Smith, February 1, 1840; Benjamin Mattix, November 27, 1847;
Daniel Yount, September 24, 1842; John Lyman, October 27, 1840;
Tavner Reams, November 11, 1845; William McBeth, March 27, 1844;
Daniel Vaublosicon, August 12, 1843. After 1845, land entries and
purchases became more numerous in the township.
Drainage. — Cass Township, though formerly one of the most wet
townships in the county, is fast becoming drained. The following are
some of the principal ditches in the township : Read No. 1, Read No.
2, Read, Davis, Leazenby, Huffman, Headlee and others ; Riggles, and
Robins and others. Three years since and there was scarcely a public
ditch in the township ; now the township contains sixty -four miles of
public drainage.
Post Office. — The township contains one post office, Headlee, which
was established about fifteen years ago. The Postmasters at this office
served in the following order : William Osborn, H. Headlee, F. Reams
and N. Ploss, the present incumbent.
First Preacher and Church Interests. — The first minister in the
township was Rev. Abraham Sneathen, the old pioneer circuit rider of
all northern White County and southern Pulaski County. The old vet-
eran is long since dead, but his work does follow him. At the house of
Harvey Headlee, in 1851, occurred the organization of the first religious
society in the township. The class was organized by Rev. Casper, of the
Methodist Episcopal Church at Burnettsville. The following are the
ROUND GROVE TOWNSHIP. 209
names of the first members : Harvey Ileadlee, Margaret Headlee, Gar-
etson Lister, Joan Lister, John Wiley, Mary Wiley, Silas Ileadlee, Jane
Reams and John Downs. The society held meeting in the schoolhouse
near Harvey Headlee's. The present members of the class are Silas
Headlee, Angeline Headlee, Harvey Headlee, Margaret Headlee, Isaac
McCloud, Mary McCloud, Edward McCloud, Emeline McCloud. J.
Smith, Caroline Smith, Rosa Smith, Mary E. Watts, J. Burbridge,
Mary Burbridge, Joseph Hanawalt, Catharine Hanawalt, Anna Grass-
myer, John Clouse and wife, Ruben Clouse, Sr., Mary Clouse, George
McCloud, Mary McCloud, Ruben Clouse, Jr. Rev. Hall, of the Bur-
nettsville Circuit, is the present minister. The following are the minis-
ters that have preached to the organization since 1851: Revs. Casper,
Parsels, D, Dunham, William Beckner, Rogers, William Reader, P. J.
Bessuier, W. Hancock, F. Cox, M. H. Wood, A. Comer, L. J. Kohler,
R. H. Landers, J. T. Budd, J. W. Warner, C. L. Smith, J. W. Price,
L. Armstrong, A. Thompson, T. H. McKee, J. E. Steel, J. M. Jackson,
J. Brecount, R. H. Calvert, J. R. Ball and W. Hall.
The first Sabbath school in the township was organized in 1851.
John Wiley was the first Superintendent, and Joseph Hanawalt is the
present one.
CHAPTER XIIL
BY M. T. MATTHEWS.
Round Grove Township — Its Creation and Early Inhabitants
— Origin of the Name — Land Entries and Election Returns
— First Events of Interest — Pine Grove Methodist Church
— The First Schoolhouse and Teacher — Post Offices and
Statistics.
FROM the time of the formation of Prairie Township in 1834, until
the founding of Round Grove Township in 1858, the territory now em-
braced by the boundary lines of the last-mentioned township remained at-
tached to Prairie Township for political purposes, but a petition bearing
the names of a majority of the freehold citizens was presented to the
County Commissioners at their December session in 1858 praying the
creation of a new civil township, the same to comprise all county terri-
tory west of the middle of Range 5 west, of Congressional Township 25
north. After mature consideration, it was ordered by the board, that the
above-mentioned territory sh()uld be detached from Prairie Township and
210 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
constitute a new township. Round Grove Township contains thirty-six
Sections, and is bounded on the north by Princeton, east by Prairie,
south by Tippecanoe County and on the west by Benton County.
The creation of Round Grove Township was perfected on the 31st of
December, 1858, and it was further ordered by the board that at the
Round Grove Schoolhouse an election should be held on the first Monday
in April, 1859, and Austin Ward was appointed Inspector of the election.
Round Grove Township derived its name from a beautiful circular
grove that occupies a picturesque and commanding location in the south-
ern part of the township. The grove comprises about forty acres of
different kinds of timber common to this section of Indiana. From this
grove, the first settlers obtained the logs for their houses and their wood for
fuel, and in it the wild animals of the prairies would hide themselves.
Round Grove was suggested as the name for the new and last formed
township in White County, by Austin Ward, one of the pioneers and
founders of the township.
Previous to the formation of Round Grove Township the inhabitants
in the territory would go to Brookston to vote if they voted at all. When
an election was to be attended the voters would go on horseback or in
wagons. Only the most important elections were attended and then it
was as much for frolic and social intercourse with their neighbors as for
any interest of a political nature.
First Settlement. — The time of the first settlement in Round Grove
Township was in the spring of 1850, when Truman Rollins removed from
Tippecanoe County to the township and commenced for himself a new
home on the wild prairie. The Rollins cabin is supposed to have been
the first house or building of any kind in the township, and this humble
domicile was rudely constructed of round logs, and in dimensions was 16x18
feet. The logs were obtained from the famous Round Grove. This rude
mansion was reared in the open prairie on Section 11, and for some time
it was the only bouse for miles around. Jeremiah Stanly, a son-in-law
of Rollins, came into the township at the same time and for a period lived
in the Rollins cabin, but afterward erected a house for himself a short
distance from the township's first cabin. Thomas Rollins also came into
the township in 1850, and he, too, lived for a time in the_^r«^ cabin. In
1852, Stewart Rariden moved into the township from Monroe County,
Ind., and began an improvement about two miles south of Truman Rol-
lins. A frame house, 18x21 feet was erected by Mr. Rariden, and this
was the first frame house in Round Grove Township. In 1853, Austin
Ward came into the township from Greene County, Ind., locating on Sec-
tion 13, and in the same year came Milton W. Weaver, John Carrol, a
man by the name of Warner, Edmond Steely and Stephen E. Baker and
ROUND GROVE TOWNSHIP. 211
made settlement in the township. William Buskirk came in 1850. The
following are among other old pioneers in Round Grove Township : John
Aper, Nathan Brown, David Campbell, John Haines, Robert Steen, Will-
liam Stockton, Richard Moore, Michael T. Buskirk, John Rollins, John
Langnecker, Thomas Raw, Michael Buskirk, Samuel Barcus, Isaac Smith
and John Hues.
The first settlers in Round Grove Township were not confined to any
particular locality or district, but were scattered, and the distance between
improvements was usually several miles.
The experience of some of the first residents of Round Grove Town-
ship, as told in this age, is full of interest and does not fail to engage the
attention of the most unconcerned. But there was a sunny as well as a
shadv side in the lives of those early-day settlers.
At the time of the first settlement in Round Grove Township, deer
were plenty, numbered only as the snow birds ; wolves and mink were very
numerous and prairie chickens might have been counted by thousands.
Deer and chickens were used extensively for food by the early-day inhab-
itants.
Land Entries. — The following is a list of the names of some of the
persons who first entered land in Round Grove Township, with the date
when the entry was made ; Mary Newton, 1848 ; John Roland, 1847 ;
Edward H. Reynolds, 1848 ; Newberry Stockton, 1836 ; Levi Tolbey,
1848 ; Thomas Burch, 1848 ; Hariet Lockwood, 1846 ; Charles L.
Stockton, 1836 ; Henry L. Ellsworth, 1836 ; Jonathan Burch, 1837 ;
Martin Bishop, 1849 ; Thomas Rollins, 1848 ; John White, 1835. The
first land entries in the township were made several years before any
settlement had been effected.
First Elections. — The first election held in Round Grove Township
was on the first Monday in April, 1859, the following men voting: John
Larrabe, Robert McQueen, Roger Baker, John Apes, Stephen E.Baker,
James Carrol, Thomas Rountene, Michael T. Buskirk, Granville Ward,
Jeremiah Stanly, Stewart Rariden, John Rolliris, Austin Ward, Samuel
Ballintyne and Milton W. Weaver. Austin Ward, Inspector ; Stewart
Rariden and John Rollins, Judges ; Samuel Ballintyne, Clerk. This was
a township election, and at it Samuel Ballintyne received fifteen votes for
Justice of the Peace ; Stewart Rariden received thirteen votes for Con-
stable and Austin Ward received one vote for the same office. Austin
Ward received six votes for Trustee, and Milton Weaver received seven
votes for the same office ; Joseph Harris received eight votes for Super-
visor, and M. V. Buskirk received seven votes for the same office. Fifteen
votes were cast at this election.
At a State election held in the township at the Round Grove School-
212 HISTORY OF WHITE COUNTY.
house on the second Tuesday in October, 1860, the following men voted:
William Beck, Thomas Rollins, Granville Ward, Isaiah Bice, Samuel
Ballintyne, Stephen E. Baker, James Carrol, John A.pes, Edward Steely,
Robert N. Brink, James Martin, L. B. Stockton, William H. Martin,
Patrick Conner, Stewart Rariden, Jeremiah Stanly, John Demso, Nim-
rod Leister, M. W. Weaver, Robert McQueen, Austin Ward, Michael
T. Buskirk, Samuel D. Barnes and L. W. Wol.ramuth. At this election,
twenty-five votes were cast.
Births. — The first white child born in the township is supposed to
have been Samuel Rariden, son of Stewart and Mary Jane Rariden;
Nancy Buskirk was born about the same time.
Marriage. — The first persons married in the township were Francis
Mullendore and Jane Ward, now living in Monticello.
Death. — The first person who died in Round Grove Township was
Truman Rollins. The remains were interred in a private burying-ground
in Tippecanoe County. As Mr. Rollins, was the first settler in the town-
ship, so also was he the first deceased person.
Church. — The only church in Round Grove Township is the Pine
Grove Methodist Episcopal Church, situated about a mile and a half east
of Dern. The edifice is a frame 36x45 feet, and was erected in 1880 at
a cost of $900. Rev. J. C. Martin, C. Stockton, James Bennett, Isaac
Smith, Frank Mitchner and Robert Mays were some of the principal
movers in the erection of this church. The class numbers fifty members.
J. C. Martin is the present and only regular minister the congregation
has had since the building of the church.
Previous to the erection of this church, the class, that had been organ-
ized about fifteen years, held services in a schoolhouse. Isaac Smith and
wife, Robert Smith and wife, John Russel and wife, George Mitchner
and wife and Thomas Guntrip and wife were the founders of the Method-
ist Episcopal class in the vicinity in which the church has been erected.
The church in this locality is a credit to the township, to the neighbor-
hood in which it stands and to the enterprising spirit of its founders.
Schools. — The first school in the township was taught in what has
been designated as the Stanly Schoolhouse, which was a frame structure,
16x18 feet, erected near the center of the township and in School Dis-
trict No. 1. The house was built about the year 1857, and Elizabeth
Ballintyne was the first teacher. John Canfield, Francis M. Rogers and
Daniel Campbell, were also some of the first teachers in the township.
There are now seven frame schoolhouses in Round Grove Township. The
last one was built in 1879.
Post Offices. — Round Grove Township has two post offices — one at
Round Grove, established in 1879, and Jacob Stotts was the first Post-
is^r^^,^. '^
cJ^aifj^ ^ C^y-fie^
THI T^EW YORK
ROUND GROVE TOWNSHIP. 213
master. The other office was established at Dern in 1881. A. J. Dern
was the first" and is the present incumbent at the Dern office. Mr. Dern
also keeps a small stock of drugs and groceries and is the township's only
physician. Isaac Wright was the first doctor in Round Grove Town-
ship.
Then and Noiv. — The picture that Round Grove Township pre:
sented at its first settlement, or even at the time of its creation, had almost
become extinct, only a few traces of the first settlement being now dis-
cernible. The humble rude domiciles have, in the majority of cases,
been exchanged for more commodious and comfortable houses ; the pole
stable with its roof of grass has been cast away for something better; the
roads are regularly laid out ; the once large farms have been divided and
subdivided, until now they come within better range for improvement and
cultivation; the wild prairie grass in many instances has been exchanged
for cultivated grasses. The harmless deer and the ravenous wolf no longer
roam the wild prairies, and even the inhabitants themselves have changed.
The pioneers of Round Grove Township, who were once robust and strong,
are now beading with age and the care and toil of many years, and now
the evening of their lives is fast nearing its close, and erelong they will
lay themselves down '' within that tent, whose curtain never outward
swings."
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CITY OF MONTICELLO.
GEORGE BOWMAN was born February 28, 1819, in Berkeley
County, Va., and is one of two surviving children in a family of
seven born to George and Elizabeth (Potts) Bowman, both natives of the
Old Dominion, and of German and Irish descent respectively. When
yet a mere lad, the subject of this sketch was left alone by the death of
his parents, and his earlier years were passed on a farm and clerking in
a store. Having relatives in Indiana, he came to this State in 1840 and
located at Delphi, where for about eight years he was engaged in teach-
ing, and attending school at Asbury University and Wabash College,
graduating from the classical course of the latter in 1853. He married
Miss Ruth Angel in 1848, and the same year he removed to White
County and engaged exclusively in teaching. In 1850, his wife died,
succeeding which he returned to Delphi, where for the following eight
years he was employed as Principal of the Delphi Schools; in 1858, he
married Miss Mary D. Piper, and the fall of that ^ear returned to White
County and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits in southern
Union Township. In 1861, he moved to Monticello, to take charge of
the public schools, continuing as Principal until the summer of 1862,
when he resigned in order to raise a company for the war. In August,
the company was mustered in as Company D, Mr. Bowman being elected
Captain, and assigned to the Twelfth Indiana Volunteers. At Richmond,
Ky., Capt. Bowman, with the majority of his command, and many other
Union troops, was captured, and, being paroled, did not again see active
service until in and around Vicksburg, after which he participated in the
capture of Jackson, at which place he was slightly wounded. On the
evening of November 25, while leading his company on a charge up
Missionary Ridge, Capt. Bowman was wounded severely in the left thigh,
and was carried off the field as dead. After being in the hospital at
Nashville about two weeks, he was sufficiently recovered to come home on
a furlough. On a surgical examination, he was pronounced unfit for
further military duty, and accordingly was honorably discharged March
216 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
30, 1864. In 1865, he went to Delphi, where he remained until 1871,
acting as Principal of the schools of that place, and farming. Since that
time he has lived in White County, and is now farming and teaching.
Mr. Bowman was formerly a Whig, is now a Republican, and from 187-3
to 1881, served White County as School Superintendent. He and wife
are Presbyterians, and the parents of seven children — Phebe M. E.,
Anna, Rebecca L. (deceased), Georgia E., Caleb M., Margaret (deceased),
and Caroline (deceased). To Mr. Bowman's first marriage was born one
daughter, Ruth A., now Mrs. E. Black.
JOHN F. CASAD, deceased, was born in Greene County, Ohio,
April 24, 1839, and when two years of age was brought by his parents,
Samuel and Mary (Artz) Casad, to Carroll County, Ind., and there
reared to manhood. At his majority, he chose farming as the business of
his life, and followed it for nine years in Tippecanoe County. October
24, 1861, he married Miss Catharine A. Kauffman, who was born in
Schenectady, N. Y., January 5, 1840, and was one of the seven children
of John and Margaret Kauffman, who were of German descent. In
1869, Mr. Casad moved to Bloomington, Ind., and engaged in merchan-
dising. In 1873, he removed to Norway, where he was employed in
merchandising until his death from typhoid fever, August 19, 1877.
Mr. Casad was an industrious citizen, a warm supporter of temperance
principles, and in politics a Republican. He was a member of the I. 0.
0. F., by which order his remains were borne to their resting place in
the family burying ground, near the old home in Carroll County. He
left behind him a widow and four children — Eva M., Ida B., Frank W.
and John H., all of whom reside now in Monticelio.
ROBERT J. CLARK, M. D., was born in La Fayette, Ind., May 24,
1844, and is one of nine children, six yet living, born to Dr. Othiniel
L. and Charille (Durkee) Clark, natives of Virginia and New York. Dr.
0. L. Clark came to La Fayette when a young man in about 1825, entered
upon the practice of his profession, and acted as agent for the county in
the sale of town lots for the county seat. He was active in politics, was
elected to the State Legislature, and then to the Senate, and served in
both many years ; he was also a member of the State Constitutional Con-
vention of 1852, as was also his brother. Dr. H. W. Clark, of Hamilton
County. Dr. 0. L. Clark was well known to the people of the State
outside of his county, and his name was on a par with those of Oliver P.
Morton, Schuyler Colfax, Caleb Smith, Albert L. White and others.
He was an Old-Line Whig and then a Republican until Johnson's admin-
istration, when he became an advocate of the reconstruction acts, and
remained a Democrat until his death, December 29, 1866, at La Fayette,
where his widow still survives him. He was Indian Agent in Miami
CITY OF MONTICELLO. 217
County for many years, and was also appointed Postmaster at La Fayette
by President Lincoln, but declined the office. Dr. Robert J. Clark re-
ceived his literary education at the schools of La Fayette and at Notre
Dame University. Li March, 1863, he enlisted in the Twenty-second In-
diana Light Artillery ; he was in the Atlanta campaign, and afterward
with Gen. Thomas in Hood's campaign in Tennessee. He was then trans-
ferred to North Carolina, where he remained till Johnston's surrender, and
was finally discharged at Indianapolis, July 7, 1865. He began the
study of medicine in 1867, in the office of Dr. W. S. Hammond, at Mon-
ticello ; attended two terms of the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati,
and was one of the six graduates who were examined and selected from
about thirty to serve as resident physicians of Cincinnati Hospital from
1870 to 1871. He then returned to Monticello, and became a partner
of his preceptor, but since 1872 he has been alone. He was married in
July, 1871, to Miss Mary E. Reynolds, who has borne him two chil-
dren — Cornelia R. and Frederick G. Dr. Clark is a Democrat and a
member of the G. A. R., and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian
Church.
SAM P. COWGER, County Clerk, was born in Union Township,
this county, February 29, 1844. His father, Jacob Cowger, was born in
Pendleton County, Va., June 2, 1814. He was married, August 20,
1834, to Miss Sarah A. Bolton, also a native of Pendleton County, and
born February 19, 1815. Four weeks after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. C.
came to this county, it being then in its state of nature. Here there
were six children born to them — Ann E. (deceased), M. R., Ruth A.,
Sam P., M. W. and J. B. Mr. Cowger died May 18, 1877 ; his widow-
survives and resides in Monticello. Sam P. Cowger, from about 1862
until 1870, was chiefly engaged at clerking in Monticello. In April of
the latter year, he entered the County Clerk's office, and a year later was
appointed Deputy. In 1874, he was candidate for County Clerk on
the Democratic ticket, but was defeated; the next three years he was en-
gaged in the drug business, during which time he served one year as
Town Councilman and one year as Town Clerk. In 1878, he again be-
came candidate for County Clerk, and was elected by a majority of 117,
and in November, 1882, re-elected by a majority of 483. Mr. C is still
a Democrat, and a Knight of Pythias. Ho was married, Marcii, 19, 1873,
to Miss Alice J. Lear, daughter of John H. Lear, of Monticello. Two
children were born to this union — Norma L. (deceased), and Raeburn.
W. P. CROWELL was born in Grant County, Ind., May 22, 1842,
and of the eight children born to his parents, John and Susannah (Wins-
low) Crowell, only three sons and one daughter are now living. The
Crowell family is of English origin, and their genealogy is traced back
218 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
six generations to Oliver Cromwell. They then bore the name of Crom-
well, but, owing to the odium connected therewith, dropped the "m" in
the name in this country. For over 200 years, members of this family
resided in North Carolina, where there is a town named in their honor,
and they were widely known as large plantation and slave owners. On
his removal North, John Crowell located in Grant County, engaged in
farming, and died in 1857. Mrs. Crowell is yet living, and resides in
St. Joseph, Mich. W. P. Crowell, until sixteen years old, remained
in his native county, receiving a good district school education. He
began the study of medicine, but owing to ill-health was compelled to
relinquish this, substituting dentistry in its stead. April 27, 1861^
directly after the fall of Fort Sumter, he enlisted in Company H, Twelfth
Indiana Volunteer Infantry ; participated in the battle of Winchester and
various skirmishes, and was discharged in June, 1862, on the expiration
of his term of service. Dr. Crowell then formed a partnership with his
cousin, Dr. Winslow, in the practice of dentistry at Lewisville, Henry
County. In 1863, he opened an office alone in Tipton, where he was
doing a good business, when, on the President's last call for troops in
1864, he began recruiting what afterward became Company K, One
Hundred and Fifty -third Indiana Volunteers, and was commissioned
Second Lieutenant, afterward being promoted to the First Lieutenancy.
The spring of 1865, he was appointed Aide-de-Camp on Col. Carey's
staff of the First Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps
under Gen. Burnside. After the close of the war. Dr. Crowell returned
to Indiana, and in 1867 recommenced the practice of his profession at
Delphi, in partnership with Dr. Jourdan, but in 1869, the last year of his
stay there, he opened a branch office in Attica. In 1869, he practiced in
Logansport with Dr. Budd as a partner, and the same year opened a
branch office in Monticello, to which place he removed in 1871. He has
remained here ever since, and his superior workmanship has established
him a first-class business. He is a Freemason, a Republican, and was
married August 16, 1872, to Miss C. L. McDonald, of Delphi, their union
being blessed with three children — Luella, Jesse W. and William R.
D. D. DALE was born in Jackson Township, this county. May 13,
1836, and is the son of William R. and Prudence (Harlan) Dale, who
were natives of Ohio, and of English and Irish descent. William R.
Dale was married in Ohio in 1834, and in 1835 he and wife and his
father and family located in Jackson Township, this county. There
William R. and Prudence died in 1844 and 1862. William R. was the
first candidate in the county for the office of Clerk on the Democratic
ticket, but was defeated by William Sill, Whig. A remarkable circum-
stance, however, was that which occurred in 1867, when his son, D, D
CITY OF MONTICELLO. 21^
Dale, defeated Mr. Sill's son, M. M. Sill, for the same office. July 22,
1861, Daniel D. Dale enlisted as private in Company K, Twentieth
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but on the organization of the company was
elected Second Lieutenant. He served until August, 1862, when he
resigned, because of injuries received in the seven days' fight before
Richmond. On his return home, he entered the County Clerk's office as
Deputy ; was then for a time in partnership with J. H. McCollum in the
dry goods trade, and in 1867 was elected County Clerk, and re-elected,
his last term expiring in 1875 ; he then for a time was engaged in the
manufacture of woolen goods, but for the past few years has confined his
attention to the practice of law. He was married, in June, 1864, to Miss
Ophelia Reynolds, daughter of Isaac Reynolds, and to this union have
been born four children — Charles H., George R., Bertha M. and Ida M.
Mr. Dale is a Mason and a Democrat, and his wife is a member of the
Presbyterian^ Church. His grandfather, Daniel Dale, who was very
prominent in the aifairs of this county, died in 1874, at the age of eighty-
four.
DR. M. T. DIDLAKE, Treasurer of White County, is a native of
Clark County, Ky.; was born March 29, 1844, and is the son of Ed-
mund H. and Mildred G. (Woodford) Didlake. The father was born in
Clark County April 27, 1798, and died in Bloomington, 111., August
28, 1875 ; the mother was born July 19, 1807, and died February 12,
1864. The family moved to Bloomington about the year 1851, and
there our subject was reared. He finished his literary education with
two years at the Wesleyan University, and at the age of twenty began
the study of medicine with Dr. C. R. Parke, and the winter of 1865-66
attended the Chicago Medical College, and the next winter graduated.
His first practice was in Augusta, Ark., but at the end of eighteen
months he removed to Stanford, 111., where he practiced three years. In
1871, he located at Wolcott, this county. In October, 1880, he was
elected Treasurer of the county, taking possession of the office in Sep-
tember, 1881, and in the fall of 1882 he was re-elected. He was mar-
ried in December, 1880, to Miss Litta H. Johnson, of Bloomington. 111.,
who has borne him one child, Roy P. The Doctor is a Democrat, and
a Sir Knight of St. John Commandery, No. 24, at Logansport.
PETER R. FAILING was born in Wayne County, N. Y., Novem-
ber 19, 1825, and is the eldest of three children born to Peter and Re-
becca (Bullard) Failing, natives respectively of New York and Vermont,
and of German and Scotch descent. At the age of seventeen, Peter
Failing enlisted and served through the war of 1812 under Gen. Scott.
He was a farmer, but from 1843 to 1847 was employed as track-master
on the New York Central Railroad between Lyons and Syracuse, and
220 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
from 1847 to 1850 was track-master on the Lake Shore & Michigan
Southern road between Hillsdale and Monroe, Mich. In 1847, he took
possession of a farm in Hillsdale County, Mich., he had purchased in
1837, and there died in September, 1850, from injuries received on the
railroad. Peter R. Failing worked on the home farm until eighteen
years old, and was then employed alternately on the Lake Shore & Mich-
igan Southern road and the farm for several years. • In 1851 and 1852,
he graded the railroad between Elkhart and Goshen, Ind. In 1852, he
moved to Michigan City, and the same year changed to La Fayette, being
employed at both points by the N. A. & S. R. R. In 1853, he came to
White County, and acted as general superintendent of the grading of
the T., L. & B. R. R., between Logansport and Reynolds. In the spring
of 1854, he was employed at Nauvoo, 111., by the W. & R. Railroad
Company, and in 1856 he returned to Monticello and engaged in the
dry goods trade with his father-in-law, Roland Hughes. In the winter
of 1859, he opened a general store on his own account, and in 1866 he
opened a hotel and livery stable. During the interval between 1859 and
1866, however, he graded the T., L. & B. R. R., between Monticello and
Burnettsville. In 1869, he went to St. Louis, where he was employed
as foreman on the I. M. & St. L. road, and in December, 1875, came
back to Monticello, and was employed on the I., B. & W. and the I., D.
& C. Railways until 1880, when he again opened his hotel. February
22, 1854, he married Mary Hughes, who has borne him six children,
of whom four are still living. Mr. Failing is a Freemason and a Dem-
ocrat.
WILLIAM GUTHRIE was born in Hamilton, Ohio, January 20,
185£. Dr. William Guthrie, his father, was a regular graduate of the
Ohio Medical College, and was twice married, his last wife, Elizabeth
Traber, being the mother of the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Guthrie
died in 1854, and Dr. Guthrie, with the remainder of the family, moved
to Indiana in 1860, and settled at Rockfield, Carroll County. He next
removed to what is now Idaville, White County, on the 10th of January,
1861, and was the first physician of that place. He remained there in
active practice until he came to Monticello on the 7th of April, 1870 ;
but September 16, 1872. he returned to Idaville. In 1882, he went to
Indianapolis, where he now resides, retired from active business. Will-
iam Guthrie lived with his father until he attained his majority, attend-
ing the district schools in his earlier years, subsequently entering the
high school at Idaville, where he paid his tuition by his services as jani-
tor. After this, he attended school one year at Monticello and one year
at Logansport. The winter of 1870, he began his career as a school
teacher, and altogether has taught a total of eleven terms, two years of
THI NEW YORK
71L»MH FOUHDAllQS
, C^/^^-c^
CITY OF MONTICELLO. 223
his time serving as Principal of the Idaville Schools. He commenced
the study of medicine at one time, but after reading a year and a half
with his father, his dislike for the profession induced him to substitute
law in its stead, and, in 1870, he entered the law ofi&ce of Judge J. H.
Matlock. He steadily pursued his studies a year and a half, subsequent-
ly at intervals until August, 1880, when he formed a partnership with
W. S. Bushnell, a graduate of Asbury LFniversity, under the firm name
of Guthrie & Bushnell, and this has continued to the present. Mr.
Guthrie is among the wide-awake men of Monticello, is liberal in his
views on all subjects, and, in June, 1881, he was elected Superintendent
of the schools of White County, in which capacity he is now serving.
R. L. HARVEY, County Recorder, is a native of Orange County,
Vt., and was born December 14, 1824, His father, whom he was named
after, was also a native of Vermont, and was a minister in the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He married Mrs. Sarah (Farr) Corlis, a widow with
one child, and to his marriage were born ten children, of whom four are
yet living. In 1847, the family removed to Logan County, Ohio, and
thence to Warren County, in about 1848, where the mother died in 1849.
Several years later the father married Mrs. Chloe Thompson, who is still
living. Mr. Harvey died in Preble County, Ohio, in January, 1876.
R. L. Harvey, the subject of this sketch, was reared in his native State,
secured a fair education at the common schools, and when about fourteen
years of age shipped before the mast, on the Atlantic Ocean, remaining
about eight months. He afterward entered the United States Navy, but,
being young, was discharged on application of his father. In 1815, he
followed his parents to Whitehall, N. Y., and in 1846, preceded them to
Ohio, and in the winter of that year taught his first school in Clark
County. He was principally engaged in teaching until 1860, when he
came to this county. July 17, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company
K, Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. On the organization of the
company, he was chosen Sergeant and was immediately sent to the front.
He took part in a number of skirmishes and engagements, including the
seven days' fight in front of Richmond. His health failing, he was dis-
charged December 5, 1862, but, recovering somewhat, he again enlisted,
April 13, 1863, and was enrolled as a private in Company G, Sixty-third
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was on detached duty one year in the
Provost Marshal's office at Indianapolis, and in the spring of 1864, while
on his way to I'ejoin his regiment at Ball's Gap, Tenn., was seized with
typhoid pneumonia. He was a week with his regiment, when he was
transferred to the hospital at Knoxville, where, after his recovery, he
served on detached duty until his final discharge. May 15, 1865. On his
return home in June, 1865, he entered the office of the County Clerk,
224 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
with whom he remained four years. In 1869, he passed nine months in
Iowa. For five years succeeding the spring of 1870, he was employed as
Deputy County Auditor ; he was elected by the Republicans, in 1874, to
the office of County Recorder, entered upon his duties in July, 1875,
and after serving four years was re-elected and is yet filling the office.
He was married, in 1847, to Miss Harriet E. Jackson, and to this union
have been born four children — Melvina J. (deceased), William R., Vic-
toria C, and Theodore H. (deceased). Mr. Harvey is a member of the
I. 0. 0. F., the 0. F. Encampment, the K. of P. and also of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican and a temperance man, and
has assisted in the interests of the last-named cause in organizing in
Monticello the body known as the " Sovereigns of the Red Star."
W. J. HUFF, Postmaster and one of the editors of the Monticello
Herald, was born August 5, 1849, in La Fayette, Ind. Judge Samuel
A. Hufi", his father, was born in Greenville District, S. C, October 16,
1811. Judge Huff came to Indiana with his parents, Julius and Huldah
(Mosely) Huff, in 1826, and at the age of fifteen years he was appren-
ticed to James B, Gardner, of Xenia, Ohio, to learn the " art preserva-
tive." After remaining with Mr. Gardner two years, he worked one year
at his trade in the office of the Indiana Agriculturist, and in 1830 went
to Indianapolis, where he found employment in the office of the State
Printer and in the office of the Indiana Democrat. In 1832, he removed
to La Fayette, worked at his trade three years, and the succeeding two
years read law, having access to the libraries of Judge Pettit and Rufus
A. Lockwood. In 1837, he embarked in the practice of his chosen pro-
fession, and since that time has made his home in La Fayette, and has
carried on the active prosecution of law in Tippecanoe and neighboring
counties. Judge Huff was at first a Whig, but in 1848 he became a Free-
Soiler, and was a member of the National Free-Soil Convention that met
in Bufialo. In 1852, he was elected Judge of the Common Pleas Court,
then comprising the counties of Tippecanoe and White, but at the end of
one year and a half resigned. In 1854, he became a member of the
People's party, and two years later a Republican. In 1860, he wa»
chosen as a Republican Elector from Indiana, and cast his ballot in the
Electoral College for Abraham Lincoln. Judge Hufi" has been three times
married; first in 1837, to Mariam Farmer, who died in 1846, leaving
three children, one yet surviving. In 1847, he married a sister of his
former wife, Massie Farmer, who died in 1866, leaving one son. His last
wife, Theodocia Beaman, to whom he was married in 1867, is yet living,
William J. Hufi" is the only son of his father's second marriage. He was
reared in the city of La Fayette, acquiring a good substantial education.
He learned the printer's profession in his native town, where for one year
CITY OF MONTICELLO. 225
and a half he published the Liliputlan. While traveling; for a wholesale
grocery house in La Fayette, he came to Monticello, where, in 1^570, he
purchased a half interest in the Monticello Herald, and six months later
became sole owner. In 1874, J. B. Van Buskirk became a partner, and
besides the duties devolving on Mr. Huff in connection with
the paper, he has the duties of Postmaster to look after, having been ap-
pointed to this position in 1871. He was married April 1, 1874, to Miss
Alice Wright, and to their marriage four children have been born — Edgar
and Florence, living ; and Samuel A., and an infant without a name, de-
ceased.
CHARLES W. KENDALL, deceased, was one of the early settlers
of Monticello, who materially assisted in the growth and welfare of the
place. This gentleman was descended from English and German ances-
tors; his parents were John and Sarah (Miller) Kendall, and he was born
February 15, 1815, in Reading, Penn. When twelve years old, he went
to Philadelphia to live with an uncle, and during his residence there at-
tended the public schools of the city and assisted in his uncle's store,
afterward returning to his old home at Reading, where he remained until
twenty-two years of age. In 1837, he emigrated to Indiana, located at
Delphi, where for three years he was employed as clerk in a brother's
store, but in 1840 he came to what was then a very small village, but is
now the county seat of White County. He purchased a general store
from William Sill, the first settler of the place, and for seven years re-
mained in Monticello, merchandising. From 1847 to 1856, he and two
brothers, Francis G. and Robert C, were in partnership at Norway, in
carrying on a general store and operating a flouring and saw mill, but in
1856, he sold out and returned to Monticello, where he afterward re-em-
barked in merchandising. During the war, he was Postmaster at Monti-
cello, being the first Republican appointed to that office. For about two
years succeeding his resignation as Postmaster, he served as Deputy Rev-
enue Collector for White County. He died in the faith of the Presby-
terian religion, August 29, 1875. He was twice married, first on the
29th of September, 1841, to Maria M. Spencer, who was born in Perry
County, Ohio, August 24, 1822. This lady died January 1, 1843, leav-
ing one son, George S., now a resident of Covington, Ky. Mav 1. 1845,
Mr. Kendall married Mary Eliza Spencer, who is yet living in Monticello,
To their union were born six children — Walter R., Howard C, Maria
(Mrs. Hull) Sallie (Mrs. A. W. Loughry), Charles and May. The
mother was born in Perry County. Ohio, August 2, 1821^, and came with
her parents to White County in 1830.
WALTER R. KENDALL was born in Monticello March 1, 184(3.
His schooling was completed with a two years' course at Wabash College,
226 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
since when he has been engaged in clerking and merchandising on his
own responsibility, and at present is doing a good business in the dry
goods and clothing line in Monticello. He is a Republican and a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church. April 28, 1870, he married Miss Mat-
tie E. McConnell. They are the parents of three children— Schuyler 0.,
Frederick C. and Pearl Dean .
JOSEPH V. KENTON, son of William, and grandson of Simon
Kenton, the latter a renowned Indian fighter, was born in Logan County,
Ohio, September 2, 1833, and is the eldest of a family of ten children —
four yet living. The mother was Mary A., daughter of Solomon McCol-
loch, one of White County's pioneers. William Kenton, when young,
received an appointment as cadet to the Military Academy at West Point,
and there received an excellent practical education. He was married in
Logan County, Ohio, in 1832, and in the following fall came to this
county and settled in Big Creek Township, about three miles from where
Monticello now stands. In 1851, he moved to Honey Creek Township,
where he died April 30, 1869, his widow following July 3, 1881. Joseph
V. Kenton was reared to manhood in this county, receiving a good com-
mon school education. In 1856, he went to California, via New York
and Panama, and for four years engaged in mining there and in Arizona.
He returned in 1860, and in August, 1861, enlisted in Company F,
Twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He took part in the fights
at Ball's Bluff, Winchester, South Mountain, Antietam, Cedar Mountain,
Chancellorsville, second Bull Run and Grettysburg. At Antietam, he
was slightly wounded, and at Gettysburg was struck by a minie ball,
just below the left knee, which wound caused his confinement in hospital
six months, and the removal of three inches of bone. December 3, 1863,
he received his discharge as Second Sergeant, when he came home and
engaged in farming. April 4, 1865, he married Mrs. Sophia E. (Bunnell)
Hutchinson, widow of John Hutchinson, and daughter of Nathaniel and
Susan (Runyan) Bunnell, who came to White County about 1833. To
this marriage of Mr. Kenton and Mrs. Hutchinson have been born four
children — Simon, Lydia, Joseph, and an infant that died unnamed. Mr.
K. is a Mason, a member of the G. A. R., and a Republican, and his
wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His residence is
on Section 30, in this township, and his fiirm comprises about 1,000
acres, extending into Honey Creek Township.
LOUGHRY FAMILY. — Among those who have become very
actively engaged in the manufacturing interests of Monticello during the
past few years, are members of the family whose name forms the subject
of this sketch. N. B. Loughry, father of of the brothers who so success-
fully operate the Monticello Mills, is a native of Indiana County, Penn.,
CITY OF MONTICELLO. 227
as were also his parents, Joseph and Sarah N. (Howard) Loughry; but
his grandfather, William Loughry, was born in Northern Ire-
land, and, in about 1780, emigrated to the United States and
settled in Indiana County, Penn., then a part of Westmoreland County-
Joseph Loughry made farming and merchandising his principal occu-
pation through life, but by an election on the Anti-Masonic ticket to
the office of County Sheriff in his native county, served in that capacity
three years. N. B. Loughry was born February 13, 1815, and is the
only issue of his parents' marriage. At the age of twelve jears, he
moved with his parents to Blairsville, where he received the greater part
of his education, and at the age of fourteen years was sent alone to Phil-
adelphia to purchase a stock of goods, which he did, displaying rare
business qualities in one so young. November 13, 1838, he married
Miss Rachel Wright, who was born in what is now Juniata County, Penn.,
July 21, 1816, and to them have been born a family of six children —
Sarah L. (deceased), Joseph E., Clara, Mrs. Rev. Edwards, Albert W.,
Amy and Cloid. Succeeding his mari-iage for a number of years, Mr.
Loughry was engaged in merchandising, at the same time taking an
active part in all public matters, especially politics. He cast his first
vote with the Whig party in 1836, but on the organization of the Repub-
lican party joined its ranks, and has since been identified as one of its
members. While a resident of Blairsville, he was elected to the office of
County Prothonotary, and served in that position three years. In 1855,
he and family emigrated to La Fayette, Ind.. and from there moved to
White County four yearsJater. The family resided in Monon Township un-
til 1872, engaged in different pursuits, then removed to Monticello and en-
gaged in milling, having traded their farm as part payment on the Monticello
Mills. The mill at that time only had a capacity of about seventy-five
barrels per day, and needed many improvements to make it first class.
Being strangers in the place, without credit, and with a heavy debt over-
shadowing their efforts, the Loughrys began work under adverse circum-
stances. By their united efforts, the father managing the financial part,
together with the practical experience of J. E. Loughry as a miller, and
the invaluable assistance of the other two st)ns, A. W. and Cloid, they
have produced a wonderful change. The mill is a three-story and base-
ment frame structure, 40x60 feet, is operated by water-power, runs both
night and day, and gives employment to thirteen hands, including three
experienced millers, and is what is known as a "mixed mill," operating
both stone and rolls. It is one of the best equipped mills in Northern
Indiana, possessing all the latest and best improvements known to the
business, and has a capacity of 150 barrels per day. They convert into
flour about 125,000 bushels of wheat per annum, and, besides supplying
228 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES;
home demand with their product, which is not excelled in quality by any
mill in the State, they ship large quantities to Great Britain. Their
head miller, Frank P. Berkey, began work shortly after they obtained
possession, and by honesty and a faithful performance of his duties has
advanced step by step to his present position, which he fills with entire
satisfaction. In addition to their milling interests, the Loughrys own
and operate a furniture factory directly opposite their mill, and also a
furniture store up town. For the past ten years, these gentlemen have
done far the largest business of any firm in either White or Pulaski
County, and to their enterprise and sagacity the town of Monticello is
largely indebted for the greater part of her manufacturing interests.
N. B. Loughry and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. J.
E. Loughry, the eldest son, was born in Saltsburg, Indiana Co., Penn.,
September 4, 1842, and has always resided in the same locality with his
parents. He received a good practical education in youth, and while re-
siding in La Fayette attended the high school of that city. August 11,
1862, he enlisted in Company D, Twelfth Indiana Volunteers, but in-
stead of going with the regiment to the front, was detailed on recruiting
duty. He thus happily escaped being made prisoner, which disaster
overtook his company at the battle of Richmond, Kj. In November,
1862, after the parole and exchange of the prisoners, Mr. Loughry and
the company of which he was a member, were sent to Memphis, Tenn.;
it remained there that winter, doing guard duty, etc., and in June, 1863,
it was ordered to assist the troops under Gen. Grant in the immediate
vicinity of Vicksburg. On the evening of July 4. after the city was
surrendered, the troops made a forced march to Jackson, and after the
reduction of that city returned and wintered near Vicksburg. Mr.
Loughry participated in the battle of Mission Ridge next, and here he
was wounded in the right leg, but not sufficiently severe to keep him from
active duty. After this engagement, they were ordered to Burnside's
relief at Knoxville, followed by Mr. Loughry's participation in the At-
lanta campaign, including every important battle. At the battle of At-
lanta, he was a member of the body of troops which repelled the charge
in which gallant McPherson was killed. The memorable march to the
sea was the succeeding movement, and the Twelfth Regiment was the
first to enter Columbia, S. C. From Columbia they went to Richmond
via Raleigh, and from there to Washington, D. C, where the Twelfth
Indiana Volunteers headed the grand review of the Army of the West.
Mr. Loughry was discharged June 9, 1865, and from the time of his
enlistment to his discharge never lost a day from service, never missed a
campaign or battle in which his regiment was engaged. After the war,
he took a thorough course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College at In-
CITY OF MONTICELLO. 229
dianapolis, after which he was engaged in milling in Monon and Attica
until he came to Monticello. He is a Mason and Republican. In 1873,
he married Miss Nancy Turner, and a family of three children
has been born to their union — Louisa T., Mabel and William N.
A. W. Loughry was born in Indiana County, Penn., June 9, 1847;
came with his parents to Indiana ; received the ordinary education in his
earlier years, and, by his intimate connection with the mill, is among its
best workers. May 3, 1881, he married Miss Sally Kendall, daughter
of Charles W. Kendall, deceased, and their union is blessed with one son
— Howard. A. W. Loughry is a Republican and a member of both
Masonic and K. of P. fraternities, and Mrs. Loughry is a member of the
Presbyterian Church.
JAMES M. McBETH, Deputy County Auditor and Trustee of
Union Township, is a native of Clark County, Ohio, where his birth oc-
curred July 31, 1842. His father, William McBeth, was a Pennsylva-
nian of Scotch descent, a farmer, and was twice married. His first wife,
Amelia Goudy, died in Ohio in 1820, an infant daughter surviving her
only a short time. In about 1824, he married Anna Steele, mother of
the subject of this sketch, and to this union seven children were born,
three only of whom are living. The parents moved to Cass Township,
this' county, in December, 1847, where Mr. McBeth died in 1854. His
widow remarried, and is yet living in White County, aged seventy-eight
years. James M. McBeth has passed the greater part of his life in
White County, and is one of its soldier boys, having enlisted on the 5th
of November, 1861, in Company E, Fifty-sixth Indiana Volunteers, and
having been discharged September 5, 1865. He was engaged in the
battles of Fort Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hills, Vicksburg, Carrion
Crow Bayou, Pleasant Hill, Opelousas and Sabine Cross Roads. At the
last-named engagement, Mr. McBeth was captured and conveyed to Camp
Ford in Texas, and afterward to Camp Grose. At the last-named place
lie was paroled, and in February, 1865, was exchanged. After the war,
be returned home, and commenced better educating himself, and since
has taught school a total of twenty-one terms, and for the past eight
years has served as Deputy Auditor. Mr. McBeth is a warm Re-
publican, has served in various positions of local honor and trust, and is
the present Trustee of Union Township. He is a member of the I. 0.
O. F., A. 0. U. I., the G. A. R., and father of four children— William
E., Walter, Bertha and Birdella. The mother was Miss Sarah C. Turner,
of Dayton, Ohio, and Avas married to Mr. McBeth November 25, 1872,
and both parents are members of the Presbyterian Church. The follow-
ing are the names of the children born to Mr. McBeth's parents : John
S. {died in Andersonville Prison), William W. (a resident of Tippecanoe
230 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
County), Joseph (who lives on the old place in Cass Township), James
M., Amelia G., Margaret J. and Mary A. (deceased).
J. H. McCOLLUM, of McCollum & Turner, was born in Greene
County, Penn., November 10, 1834, but was removed, when a boy, by his
parents, Thomas M. and Sarah (Hughes) McCollum, to Coshocton
County, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood. He was educated in
the common schools, and in the fall of 1854 came to Monticello a poor
boy, and here clerked six years for Roland Hughes, his mother's brother,
and was then taken in as partner. Two years later, Mr. Hughes sold out
his interest to Mr. McCollum and D. D. Dale. The stock was removed
to the building now occupied by McCollum & Turner, and here McCol-
lum & Dale carried on an extensive business for two years. Having
been appointed a county official, Mr. Dale, in 1864, sold out to Mr. Mc-
Collum, who, in October, 1866, admitted J. M. Turner as partner, and in
1867 H. H. Hamlin, of Pennsylvania, was admitted, the firm name
being McCollum, Turner & Hamlin. The firm now enlarged their busi-
ness, erected their grain elevator, and began buying and selling grain,
lumber, coal, etc. Three years later, Mr. Hamlin's interest was pur-
chased by the other two partners, and since then the firm of McCollum
& Turner have continued uninterruptedly. In conjunction with others,
in 1880, they erected their hay barn directly north of their elevator,
where they now carry on a large hay business. Their store is stocked
with first-class dry goods, valued at over |30, 000, and their average annual
transactions amount to over |55,000, exclusive of their other interests.
Mr. McCollum is a Democrat in politics, and although not an aspirant
for political honors, has served as School Trustee six years, and by the
Board of Trustees was elected Treasurer, serving his entire term in this
capacity. At that time, the finances of the school were much embarrassed,
and of the nine months' sessions during the year, tuition only for six
months was free. Through his management, the finances have been placed
in a healthy condition, the whole of the nine months' tuition made free,
heaters put in the building, a library worth about $700 presented by
Mr. McCollum, and when he retired from the treasurership, there were
left a tuition fund of $2,000, and a special fund of $1,800, for heating
purposes. He has been twice married — first, June 15, 1858, to Nancy
Jane Hughes, who was born in Monticello January 3, 1842, and who died
March 22, 1862. His second and present wife was Miss Mary M. Turner,
who was born August 17, 1844, and to whom he was married August 23,
1864. To this union have been born four children — Lillie M., May 16,
1866; Edna M., October 23, 1873; Stuart T., August 11, 1876, and
William Earl, August 20, 1881. The mother is a member of the Pres-
byterian Church. Mr. McCollum's parents came to White County in
CITY OF MONTICELLO. 281
1874, and here his mother died January 2. 1878, and his father August
13,. 1880.
RANSON McCONAHAY, deceased, was born in Bourbon County,
Ky., November 30, 1803, and was the son of David and Jane (Ranson)
McConahay, the former a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish
descent. Ranson received a good practical education, and when a young
man taught school ; he also learned blacksmithing and shoe-making, and
followed either trade for a time, and also engaged in farming. March 26,
1829, he married Mary Thompson, in Campbell County, Ky., and in the
same year moved to Tippecanoe County, this State, where he farmed un-
til 1832, when he came to what is now White County, and located about
thirteen miles south of the site of Monticello. There he farmed and
and taught school ten or twelve years, and then moved to Liberty Town-
ship, where he was appointed to fill the unexpired term of William Siil,
who died while serving in the capacity of Clerk, Auditor and Recorder
of White County, under the official name of County Clerk. At the ex-
piration of the term, Mr. McConahay was elected to the office, and re-
elected, his last term closing in 1858, when his son Orlando succeeded
him. He then engaged m mercantile business in Monticello, Burnetts-
ville, Norway, and also in Pulaski County. In about 1867, he retired
from active life, and April 22, 1868, died at the home of his daughter,
Mrs. Haworth, in Pulaski County. His remains lie interred in the cem-
etery in Star City. His first wife died in White County September 19,
1849 ; she had borne him eight children, of whom six reached maturity
— Orlando, Laura, James A., Horace T., Mary and Melissa A. He
was married, December 17, 1850, to his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth
(Haworth) Sturgeon, who has borne him two children — Ranson C. and
John W. She is still living and resides in Jasper County. Orlando Mc-
Conahay, the eldest son, was born in Tippecanoe County February 14,
1831, but was reared in White County. For eight years, beginning in
1859, he served as Clerk of Courts of White County, and is now engaged
in the practice of law and is serving as Justice of the Peace. He was
married, December 25, 1854, to Sarah A. W. Ritchey, who died Feb-
ruary 28, 1862, leaving one son — Samuel T. His second wife, Maria
L. Price, to whom he was married January 18, 1865, has borne him
one daughter — Asenath B. Up to 1863, Orlando McConahay was
a Democrat, but differing with his party in war views, he then became a
Republican.
JOHN McCONNELL was born in Greenfield, Ohio, November 6,
1838, and is one of fourteen children born to James B. and Sarah D.
(Stewart) McConnell. James B. McConnell was a physician, located in
Cass County, Ind., in 1852, and there died in 1855 ; his widow resides
232 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
in Monticello. John McConnell was reared until he was fourteen in
Ohio, then passed three years in Indiana, then five years in Illinois ; he
then returned to this State, where he has resided ever since. In August,
1862, he enlisted from Cass County in Company G, Seventy-third In-
diana' Volunteer Infantry. He fought in Kentucky and at Stone
River. He was captured while on special duty at Rome, Ga.,
was sent first to Atlanta and then to Richmond, where he
was exchanged ; the remainder of his service was passed in detached or
special duty, and he was discharged in the fall of 1865. For a year, he
engaged in merchandising with his brothers, in Logansport ; he then
came to Monticello and engaged in the drug trade, and now carries a
stock valued at $6,000, consisting of a full line of pure drugs, books,
€tc., and during the holidays a very full line of toys. Mr. McConnell
was married to Miss Martha Cowger, who has borne him two daughters —
Gail D. and Sarah F. Mr. McConnell is a member of the A. 0. U. W.,
and is a Republican. Mrs. McConnell is a member of the Presbyterian
Church.
ISRAEL NORDYKE is of Dutch extraction and was born in
Guilford County, N. C, June 10, 1824. There were born to his parents,
Robert and Elizabeth (Shaw) Nordyke, a family of eleven children, seven
of whom still survive. In 1830, the parents came to Tippecanoe Coun-
ty, Ind., and here Israel Nordyke was reared to man's estate. He re-
ceived such schooling as was common in that early day, and in 1844 came
to White County for the purpose of making it his future home, followed
by his parents two years later. Both parents and son settled in Prince-
ton Township, and shortly after their arrival the father died, his widow
following in about 1861. Israel Nordyke farmed until the spring of
1859, when he sold his farm in Princeton Township and embarked in
mercantile pursuits in Pulaski, Pulaski County. He remained only one
year, when he removed his goods to Seafield, White County, and from
there to Wolcott two years later. He there enjoyed a profitable trade
until 1873, when he removed to Monticello to fill the position of County
Treasurer, having been elected to this ofiice the preceding fall. Mr. Nor-
dyke served two terms of two years each as Treasurer of White County,
and at the end of his second term left the office with an established repu-
tation for honor and ability. Since that time, he has been engaged in the
hardware trade in Monticello, and the firm of which he is senior member
and his oldest son junior, is one of the well-established business houses
of the place. Mr. Nordyke, in politics, is a Republican ; he is a mem-
ber of the F. & A. M., and has been twice married. His first wife,
Jemima Stewart, to whom he was married in 1848, bore him four chil-
dren — Albert S., Ellis (deceased), Theodore (deceased) and Mary E. L.
CITY OF MONTICELLO. 233
The mother died in 1859, and in 1862 he married his present wife, Eliza
Kahler. One son is the result of this marriage — John P.
ALFRED R. ORTON, Surveyor of White County, was born in
Perry County, Ohio, November 5, 1833, and is one of two surviving
children of a family of three born to John B. and Matilda (Reynolds)
Orton, who were natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania respectively, and
of English origin. John B. Orton followed the calling of an attorney
throughout his entire career ; and while a resident of Perry County,
Ohio, was called upon to represent his county in the State Legislature
two terms. He died in 1844, and the year following Mrs. Orton and
remainder of the family came to White County, settling in Union Town-
ship. This has since been the home of the Ortons, and here Mrs. Orton
died in July, 1879. Besides a close attendance on the common schools,
Alfred R. Orton received the benefits of a three-years' course in Wabash
College, after which, for a time, he contracted and executed Government
surveying in the West. For the past twenty-three years, he has been
chiefly engaged in merchandising in Monticello, but in 1880 he received
the appointment of County Surveyor, to fill an unexpired term. In 1882,
he was the Republican nominee for that position, and, strange to say, he
was the only one of his party elected. The marriage of Alfred R. Orton
and Miss Addie C. Parker, of Bedford, Ind., was solemnized December
27, 1859, and to this union three children have been born — Ora, Julius
and Emma, deceased. The parents are members of the Presbyterian
Church of Monticello.
H. P. OWENS, editor and proprietor of the White County Demo-
crat, is a son of Robert L. Owens, who was born in Culpeper County,
Va., February 2, 1800, and who moved to Kentucky with his parents in
1805. Succeeding his marriage with Mary Perry, Robert L. Owens en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits, and both he and wife are yet living on
their farm in Shelby County, Ky. He was the father of thirteen chil-
dren, was three times married, but to his marriage with Mary Perry only
one son was born, the subject of this sketch. H. P. Owens was reared
in his native State, and received the greater part of his education at
Georgetown College. Shortly after completing the scientific department
of that school, he took a commercial course at Bryant & Stratton's busi-
ness College of Louisville, and then graduated from the law department
of the New York State University. The spring of 1868, he entered the
law office of Webb & Harlan, of Newcastle, Ky., remaining with them
two years, both as a student and an assistant. In 1873, he came to
Monticello and formed a partnership with J. H. Matlock, in the practice
of law, which continued until Mr. M.'s death in 1878. In about 1879,
he became a partner of W. E. Uhl, and besides carrying on their law
234 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
practice this firm, in 1882, founded the White County Democrat, and
continued its publication until January, 1883, when Mr. Uhl severed his
co|;inection with the paper in order to give his undivided attention to the
practice of his profession. Mr. Owens formed a partnership with A. B.
Clarke in February, 1883, and this firm now conducts the only Demo-
cratic paper in White County, and it is needless to add that it is a suc-
cess. One soil — Harry — has been born to Mr. Owens' marriage with Miss
Lillie L. Switzer, Avhich was solemnized August 6, 1879.
TRUMAN F. PALMER was born in Steuben County, Ind., Janu-
ary 7, 1851, and is one of the two children born to Truman F. and
Plumea (Perry) Palmer. His father, a native of New York, was a gradu-
ate of Allegheny College, of Meadville, Penn., and a minister of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. He died ten days after the birth of our
subject, and his widow shortly afterward came to White County and
engaged in school teaching ; she is now living in Burnettsville. Truman
F. Palmer, Jr., was reared in this county and attended the public schools ;
then for two years attended the Battle Ground Collegiate Institute, then
for nine months at the Farmer's Institute at Clinton, and graduated from
the State University at Bloomington in 1872, receiving his degree of LL.
B. He taught school and practiced law until 1875, and then for four
years was Deputy County Clerk at Monticello. He then resumed prac-
tice, and in March, 1881, formed his present partnership with M. M. Sill,
under the firm name of Sill & Palmer. Mr. Palmer is a Republican, a
Mason, an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias.
B. F. PRICE was born in Union Township, this county, September
27, 1838, and is one of the five surviving children of nine born to Peter
and Asenath (Rothrock) Price. Peter Price was a native of Berks
County, Penn., and was born in 1799. He became a weaver, and, in
1821, in Mifflin County, was married. In June, 1831, he came to what is
now Union Township, White County, built up a home from the wilder-
ness, served his fellow-citizens for a while as County Treasurer, and died,
an honored member of the community, July 19, 1877. His widow, who
was born in 1802, yet survives him. Of the six sons and three daughters
born to them, four sons and one daughter are yet living. Three of the
sons were soldiers in the late war, and one of these, John, rose from the
ranks to be First Lieutenant in Company K, Twentieth Illinois Volun-
teer Infantry. Benjamin F. Price enlisted June 20, 1862, in Company
D, Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, but on the organization of the
company was elected Second Lieutenant. At the battle of Richmond,
Ky., his entire company, with but few exceptions, was taken by the
enemy — Mr. Price being one of the few who accidentally escaped. In
November, 1862, he was stationed at Memphis, and then under Grant
CITY OF MONTICKLLO. 235
near
Vicksburg, and next he went through the Jackson campaign; Sep-
tember 12, 1863 he was promoted to be First Lieutenant, and to the
Captaincy of Company D, May 6, 1864. At Resaca, May 13, 1864, he
was wounded severely in the left thigh. June 8, 1865, he received his
discharge, and returned home to engage in farming. In 1873, he married
Miss S. E. Kiefhaber, a native of White County, and a member of the
Presbyterian Church. Capt. Price is the owner of 120 acres of land, is
a Republican, and is a member of the I. 0. 0. F.
A. W. REYNOLDS was born in Perry County, Ohio, September 16,
1839. His father, Ebenezer Reynolds, was a native of Pennsylvania, but
was married in Perry County, Ohio, to Elizabeth Yost, who became the
mother of seven children, two of whom are still living. The mother died
about a week after the birth of the subject of this sketch, and the father
■married Martha Wright, who bore two children and died in 1856. Mr.
Reynolds next married Mary Sellers, who died without issue in 1877,
preceded by her husband in 1861. A. W. Reynolds was reared in Ohio
until November, 1856, when he came to Monticello. For two years, he
attended the high school here, and subsequently Wabash College, at
Crawfordsville, and the college at Monmouth, 111. He then began
the study of law in the office of Hon. David Turpie, of Monticello.
After two years' study he began practice in Winamac, but at the end
of a year returned to Monticello. January? 1. 1874, he formed
a copartnership with E. B. Sellers, and the firm still continue in
active business. Mr. Reynolds is a Democrat in politics, and for
eight years was Prosecuting Attorney for the counties of Carroll,
White and Benton. He married Louisa G. Magee, who has borne him
one son — George.
A. REYNOLDS, superintendent of paper mill, Tippecanoe Station,
Carroll County, Ind., was born in Monticello August 7, 1845, to Isaac
and Mary J. (Hughes) Reynolds, the former deceased and the latter liv-
ing in Monticello. When twenty-two years of age, A. Reynolds went
into partnership with his father in merchandising. In 1872, he with-
drew, and organized the Monticello Paper Company, with the following
stockholders : William Braden, P. A. Hull, John C. Blake, James H.
McCollum, 0. S. Dale, S. F. Southard, D D. Dale and A. Reynolds.
The assessed stock was $50,000, one-half of which was paid up. A one-
story frame building, 30x150 feet, was erected one mile below town limits,
and about fifteen hands were employed. In 1874, Braden k Hull pur-
chased the stock, and, admitting A. B. Robertson as partner, conducted
the business until 1879. In August of that year, the Tippecanoe Paper
Company was organized and incorporated under the laws of Illinois.
Mr. Reynolds, the only stockholder at Monticello, was made Superin-
236 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
tendent. The building was enlarged, its dimensions now being 181x140
feet, and its ground plan that of the letter T ; new machinery was intro-
duced, and its capacity increased to fifteen tons of paper per week, and
twelve tons of dry pulp. Forty hands are employed night and day ; the
product is a superior quality of No. 2 news, and the average annual
business about $120,000, Mr. Reynolds was married, in 1868, to Miss
Elizabeth Blake, who has borne him two children — Guy and Charley.
In politics, he is a Democrat, and he is a member of the A. 0. U. W.
R. D. ROBERTS was born in White County, Ind., January 21, 1837,
and was one of eight children born to John and Martha (Dyer) Roberts.
John Roberts was born in Martinsburg, Va., July 16, 1804, and when
only about a year old his parents moved to Franklin County, Ohio, where
he was reared to manhood. He was married about 1827, and the follow-
ing year he and wife, a native of Ohio, immigrated into Indiana, locating
in Tippecanoe County. In the spring of 1831, they moved to this
county, and entered 160 acres of Government land, three and one-half
miles southwest of where Monticello now stands, moved into an Indian
house standing on the land, and commenced farming. Here they resided
until 1866, when they moved to Monticello, where Mrs. Roberts is now liv-
ing and where Mr. Roberts died September 7, 1872. Of their four children
still living — William D. is married, and resides in Cowley County, Kan.;
Maria (Mrs. William Fraser), Susanna (Mrs. Perry Spencer) and R. D.
Roberts (our subject) have always made White County their home. R. D.
Roberts, in his youth, received a fair common school education, and at
the age of twenty-four began doing for himself November 7, 1861,
he married Miss Susan Scouden, a native of Tippecanoe County, and to
this union have been born eight children — Celesta (deceased), Martha E.,
Eva S., Maria, Indiana, Katie, Robert E. and Mary. Mr. Roberts began
married life as a farmer ; has continued the occupation, and now owns
640 acres in Union Township. In 1876, he and William B. Keefer,
under the firm name of Roberts & Keefer, purchased a building which
had been used as a woolen factory, christened it the " Crystal Mills," put
in flouring mill machinery, consisting of three runs of buhrs, and began
the manufacture of flour. A year later, Mr. Roberts purchased his part-
ner's interest, and then ran the business individually until March, 1879,
when he admitted as a partner his nephew, Fred Roberts. This firm,
under the name of R. D. Roberts, added another J^uhr, but, in 1881, dis-
carded the millstones and introduced a "gradual reduction " plan, known
as the "Jonathan Mills System." They produce a superior flour, keep
employed two experienced millers, and run night and day ; they have a
capacity of 125 barrels per twenty-four hours, but average about 100.
The building is three stories high, is 42x76 feet, and the machinery is
CITY OF MONTICELLO. 237
operated by water-power. Tn politics, R. D. Roberts is a Republican^
and he is one of White County's most substantial citizens.
DR. F. B. ROBISON was born in Miami County, Ohio, August 28,
1843, and is one of six children, three of whom are yet living, born to
Thomas A. and Elizabeth P. (Hathaway) Robison, natives of Pennsylva-
nia and Ohio respectively. Thomas A. Robison, a ^farmer, was married
in Ohio ; he came to Indiana in 1844, and died in Camden, Carroll
County, about 1855. The widow married the Rev. Mr. Mitchell. After
his death, she came with her son, our subject, to Monticello, where she
died in April, 1873. From the time he was nine years old, Dr. Robison
has had to do for himself. He was reared a farmer, acquired a good
common school education, and at the age of twenty began the study of
medicine at Delphi, with Dr. F. A. Schultz. He studied three years.
In 1865, attended his first term, and February 12, 1867, received his
diploma as M. D. from the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati. He
then located at Delphi, and was in partnership with his former preceptor
until April, 1869, when he came to Monticello, where he has met with
ample success. He is a Democrat, a K. of P., and a member of the A.
0. U. W. In April, 1867, he married Miss Kate Davis, of Burnetts-
ville, who has borne him two children — Lillian J. and Margaret A.
Mrs. Robison is a member of the M. E. Church of Monticello.
PROF. J. G. ROYER, Superintendent of the Monticello Public
Schools, is a native of Union County, Penn., where he was born April
22, 1838. He is next to the youngest in a family of seven children born
to Jacob and Susan (Myers) Royer, who were of Swiss and German
descent respectively. He remained on his father's farm until the com-
pletion of his fifteenth year, when, at that almost unprecedentedly young
age, he began his career as a public teacher. In 1856, he entered Unioit
Seminary. New Berlin, Penn., intending at the time to take a prepara-
tory course before entering college, but, owing to ill health, and much to
his disappointment, was obliged to abandon the plan. From that period
until 1863, he steadily followed the profession of teaching. In the last-
mentioned year, he removed to Darke County, Ohio, and accepted the
Superintendency of the Versailles Schools. Here his reputation as an
instructor of youth was fully ripened. In 1871, he came to White
County, purchased a farm in Jackson Township, and in the following
year became connected with the schools of Burnettsville. In 1876, he
was engaged as Principal and Superintendent of the Monticello High
School, and in 1879 was appointed Superintendent alone, the school
board creating that position at the time. Thus he remains at present,
enjoying a reputation which his energy, skill and natural qualifications-
have secured. He has at present a well improved farm of eighty acres
238 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
in Union Township, which he conducts on scientific principles. He is a
Republican ; also a minister of the German Baptist Church. His mar-
riage with Miss Lizzie ReiiF occurred in 1861. They have eight chil-
dren — Galen, Susie, Mary, Ida, Nettie, Lillie, Phenie and Myrtle.
DR. C. SCOTT was born in Wayne County, Ind., October 2, 1821,
and came with his parents to Cass County, this State, in 1833. He is the
eldest of the six surviving children of nine born to Alexander and Unity
R. (Watts) Scott, and when a young man was engaged in teaching school.
January 7, 1845, he married Rebecca Hicks, and in 1847 came to Jack-
son Township, this county, and began farming. Mrs. Scott died No-
vember 29 of the same year, leaving two children, of whom one died in
infancy, and the other, Arney, was starved to death in Andersonville
Prison. May 25, 1848, Dr. Scott married M&ry Ann Sheppard, who
bore him five children (two, Marcellus P. and Horace, yet living), and
died May 29, 1857. He next married, January 10, 1858, Elizabeth
Healy. In November, 1866, he moved to Liberty Township, and thence
to Monticello in April, 1882, and here he is still actively engaged in the
practice of medicine. Of the nine children borne him by his present
wife, seven are yet living — Mary R., Harriet L., Maggie A., Florence
G., Viola C, Sylvester A. and Henry M. Dr. Scott is still the owner
of eighty acres of land in Liberty Township ; in politics, he is a Repub-
lican, having united with the party in 1856, although he was reared a
Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Church of Christ. The
parents of the Doctor came to White County in about 1850, and both
ended their days in Liberty Township.
E. B. SELLERS, of the firm of Reynolds & Sellers, attorneys and
counselors at law, is a native of Ohio, and his birth occurred in Perry
County, July 4, 1851. Of the' six children born to his parents, Isaac
and Mary (Rhodes) Sellers, five are yet living. The mother dying in
about 1854, the father afterward was joined in marriage with a Miss
Randolph. To their union were born two children who are yet living,
but both parents are now dead. At the age of fourteen years, E. B.
Sellers left his native State, and came to Indiana to seek a home and
fortune. His life is not one filled with remarkable public incidents, but
it has been an active one and very practical throughout. He first found
employment as a farm hand for Josephus Lowe, near Monon, White
County, remaining with him three years. With the money saved from
the proceeds of his labor, he began educating himself at Brookston, where
was then situated the best school in the county. He alternately taught
and attended school until the age of twenty, when he began the study of
law in the office of A. W. Reynolds, his present partner. In 1870, he
a,ttended the law department of Bryant & Stratton's Business College,
(^^^/^ (R
vZ<.^
CITY OF MONTICELLO. 241
from which institution he received his diploma. January 1, 1874, he
formed his present partnership, and the firm of Reynolds & Sellers is
among the best in White County. In politics, Mr. Sellers is a Democrat,
and he is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias
fraternities. July 3, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary
Woltz, daughter of George B. Woltz, of Monticello.
WILLIAM SILL (deceased) was born in Shelby County, Ky.,
August 9, 1801, and died in Monticello January 7, 1846. He was mar-
ried. November 22, 1822. in Shelby County, to Elizabeth Martin, a
native of the county, and born March 16, 1803; she died in Monticello,
September 4, 1882. Adam Sill, father of William, was a native of Lan-
cashire, England, and came to the United States about 1780, first set-
tling in New York and afterward moving to Kentucky. Moses Martin,
father of Mrs. Elizabeth Sill, was a native of Virginia, and his father a
native of Germany. William Sill and wife came to Washington County,
this State, in 1828, and two years later moved to Tippecanoe County ;
then, in the fall of 1830, came to what is now Prairie Township, and
taught school that winter. In 1834, he located in what is now Monti-
cello, erecting the first house in the town, on Lot No. I. In August,
1834, he was elected the first Clerk of the county, which office comprised
the duties of Clerk, Auditor and Recorder. He served seven years, and
was in the fifth year of his second term when he died. He was the father
of eight children, of whom four only are living — Robert W., ex-Sheriff
of White County; Miranda J., widow of James C. Reynolds; Milton M.
and Mrs. Georgiana Jones, of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Milton M. resides in
Monticello. He was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind., May 20, 1833,
but was reared in this county. At the age of nineteen, he began teaching
school, and taught three winters. In 1859, he was elected County Sur-
veyor by the Republicans ; in 1862, he became proprietor and editor of
the Monticello Herald^ and the same year was made Draft Commissioner.
In 1863, he accepted J. G. Staley as partner in the paper, and in the
fall left him in charge and accepted a position as clerk in the Paymaster-
General's office at Washington. In 1864, he resigned and returned to
White, and the same fall was elected County Sheriff, and was appointed
Provost Marshal. In 1854, he had been admitted to the bar, but did not
go into practice until 1866; in March, 1881, he formed his present part-
nership with T. F. Palmer. He was married, December 13, 1859, to
Miss Mary McConahay, who died October 10, 1873, the mother of six
children — George (deceased), William, Charles, Bertha, Nina and
Edward. Mr. Sill has been a Mason for twenty-eight years.
REV. J. B. SMITH, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Monti-
cello, was born in Union County, Ind., August 29, 1836. His parents,
242 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
William and Mary (Buck) Smith, are dead. He was reared on the home
farm until sixteen, when he entered Miami University at Oxford, from
the classical course of which he graduated in 1858. The fall of the same
year, he entered the Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny City,
Penn., and graduated therefrom in 1861. The spring of 1862, he was made
Chaplain of the Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which position he
resigned in August, 1865. During his army career, Mr. Smith served
as Adjutant General during the race between Bragg and Buell from Bat-
tle Creek, Tenn., to Louisville, Ky., in the fall of 1862 ; he also served
as Provost Marshal of the Third Brigade, Third Division, Fourth Army
Corps, of the Army of the Cumberland, three months during the summer
of 1863, while the army lay at Murfreesboro. After resigning, Mr.
Smith went to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he continued his theological
studies a year, since when, with the exception of seven years passed in
Ohio, he has been actively engaged in ministerial work in Indiana. For
two years preceding his settlement in Monticello, in 1879, he was Presi-
dent of Farmer College, College Hill, Ohio.
JACOB C. SMITH, editor and proprietor of The National, was
born in La Fayette, Ind., January 28, 1845. At an early day, his par-
ents moved from Ohio to Tippecanoe County, Ind., where his father still
resides, and where his mother died when he was but a mere lad. On the
breaking-out of the war, although very young, he joined the Tenth Indi-
ana Regiment as drummer boy, remaining as such until the consolidation
of his company, when he was discharged. In 1864, he again enlisted,
this time as private in Company C, Sixty-ninth Indiana Volunteers, and
participated in several hard fought engagements, the last being the battle
of Mobile, Ala. On his return, he entered the office of the Courier, at
La Fayette, as " devil," remaining there until 1869, when he located in
Monticello. For five years, he filled the position of foreman on the
Monticello Herald, and in 1873 married Miss Euphemia Black. In
1875, he accepted the position of local editor of the Constitutionalist, a
Democratic newspaper published in Monticello by J. W. McEwen. Mr.
Smith retained this position until the paper was sold to other parties.
In 1878, he founded The National at Monticello, and by his energy and
ability, has made it one of the best advocates of the National party in
Indiana. The National is a six-column folio, and will soon enter its
sixth year of existence. It is a bright, newsy paper, enjoys a liberal
advertising patronage, is on a solid foundation financially, and is cheap
at $1.50 per year.
DR. WILLIAM SPENCER was born in Zanesville, Ohio, Novem-
ber 5, 1833, and is the son of Dr. Robert and Eleanor (Barnett) Spen-
cer, natives respectively of Ohio and Washington, D. C. Dr. Robert
CITY OF MONTICRLLO. 243
Spencer was a graduate of the Ohio Medical College, and was engaged
in the practice of medicine until his death in February, 1863. In 1835,
he came to this county, and remained three years, working at carpenter-
ing and studying medicine, and then returned to Ohio, graduated, and
for ten years practiced in Ross and Muskingum Counties. In 1848, he
came back to White County, his four brothers, Benjamin, George, James
and Thomas, having preceded him. In 1855, he was elected Professor
of Anatomy in Cincinnati College of Medicine, and retained the position
seven years. In 1862, he was made Surgeon of the Seventy-third Indi-
ana Volunteer Infantry, and died in the service. His widow died of
heart disease a few years later, and both were buried in the cemetery at
Monticello. Dr. William Spencer began the study of medicine under
his father, and graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia,
in 1855. He then practiced with his father in Monticello until 1861,
when he raised and was made Captain of Company E, Forty-sixth Indi-
ana Volunteer Infantry. At the end of seven months, he resi
commission to accept an appointment as Assistant Surgeon of the Seven-
ty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry. While attending the sick and
wounded in Morgan County, Ala., he was taken prisoner, April 30,
1863, and detained until November 22, when he was exchanged. April
16, 1864, he was appointed Surgeon of the Tenth Tennessee Cavalry.
He afterward served on Gen. Jackson's staff, and held various other
positions until his discharge, while Surgeon of the post at Johnsonville,
August 5, 1865, since when he has been in practice in Monticello, where
he is also conducting a drug store. He was married, January 1, 1856,
to Miss Harriet V. Kistler, who has borne him three children — Charles,
deceased ; Gertrude, now Mrs. C. D. Meeker, and May. The Doctor
owns, besides town property, nearly 2,000 acres of land in the county,
and a half interest in the bank at Fowler.
JOSEPH W. STEWART, County Sheriff, was born November 3,
1839, in Henry County, Ky., and is one of twelve children, only three
of whom are yet living, born to Hiram and Lucy (Chilton) Stewart, both
natives of Kentucky, and of Scotch and English descent. John Stewart,
the father of Hiram, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Hiram and his
family came to Indiana in 1845, and located in Tippecanoe County, just
across the line from Prairie Township, this county. In November, 1847,
Mrs. Stewart died of consumption; in 1850, Hiram and his family moved
into this county, engaged in farming, and here he died in July, 1866.
Joseph W. Stewart was reared to farming, and principally in Indiana.
He was married, February 5, 1863, to Miss Mary A. Gwin, daughter of
Capt. George H. Gwin, of Prairie Township, and to this union has been
born one child — Addie. Mr. Stewart continued farming in Prairie Town-
244 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ship, where he yet owns 120 acres, until his election to the office of
Sheriff in 1882, when he moved to Monticello. He is a Democrat, and
both he and wife are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church.
JOHN M. TURNER, junior member of one of the leading firms of
Monticello, is a native of the county in which he now resides, and was
born February 1, 1847. His parents, William and Susanna (Imes)
Turner were married in White County in 1843, and his mother, who was
born in Greene County, Ohio, came to White County, Ind., with
her parents in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Turner removed to Montgom-
ery County, Ohio, in about 1853, where Mrs. Turner died in May, 1878,
and where Mr. Turner remarried and is yet living, engaged in farming.
John M. Turner is one of five living children, in a family of seven, and
besides receiving the common school benefits, has secured a good com-
mercial education. At the age of seventeen, he began doing for himself,
and in 1867 became a partner of J. H. McCoUum, at Monticello, which
firm has continued with prosperity until the present. February 18, 1873,
he was united in marriage with Miss Annie E. Anderson, who was born
and reared in White County, and to them have been born two children —
Frank A. and May. Mr. Turner is a Democrat, a member of the I. 0.
0. F., and he has entire charge of the grain, hay and fuel business, while
Mr. McCollum has supervision of the firm's large store on Main street.
GEORGE UHL, one of five children born to John and Eva K. Uhl,
was born in Asch, Austria, July 21, 1842. The father and two of the
children dying in the old country, the mother and three sons, of whom
George was the eldest, emigrated to America in 1854, and engaged in
farming in Huron County, Ohio, remaining there until 1857, when they
removed to Tippecanoe Township, Pulaski County, Ind., where Mrs. Uhl
purchased a tract of swamp land, and started a farm. This lady is yet
living near the site of her first settlement, being since married to Henry
Crites, Esq., and of the three sons who came with her to this country two
remain. One, John, died in the defense of his adopted country during
late war. George Uhl attended the common schools only of his native
and this country prior to the close of the rebellion, when he attended the
" Male and Female College " at Valparaiso two years. In 1867, he came
to reside in Monticello, and for nearly a year read medicine under Dr.
William S. Haymond. Mr. Uhl is a Republican, and was elected by his
party, in 1868, County Auditor, and, after serving four years, was re-
elected, with an increased majority. He is a membter of the I. 0. 0. F.;
has served two terms as Noble Grand, and is the present Commander of
Tippecanoe Post, No. 51, G. A. R., of Monticello. December 12, 1872, he
married Miss Emily C, daughter of Dr. Philo Hamlin, of Juniata County,
Penn., and to their union have been born three children — Byron H.,
CITY OF MONTICELLO. 245
Agnes E. and Stewart C. The parents are members of the Presbyterian
Church. While a resident of PuUiski County, Mr, Uhl came lo Rey-
nolds, this county, and here joined Company K, Twentieth Indiana Vol-
unteer Infantry, and shortly thereafter went with his regiment to Mary-
land, on guard duty near Baltimore. The fall of the same year, they
went to Cape Hatteras, remaining there several weeks ; thence they went
to Old Point Comfort, at Fortress Monroe, and from there, early in 1862,
to Newport News, where Company K took an active part in the memor-
able contest between the rebel ram " Merrimac," and the Union frigates
"Cumberland" and ''Congress." The succeeding day they witnessed
the naval engagement between the ironclads "Monitor" and Merrimac."
The regiment took part in the capture of Norfolk and Portsmouth, and
were then transferred to the Army of the Potomac, arriving in front of
Richmond before the commencement of the "seven days' fight." On the
30th of June, 1862, at the battle of Gkndale, Mr. Uhl, Capt. Reed and
his son William — the first seriously and the latter mortally wounded —
and others of their company, were captured and taken to Richmond.
Mr. Uhl was alternately incarcerated in Libby and Belle Isle Prisons
until the September following, when he was paroled and sent to the hos-
pital at Annapolis. After recuperating and being exchanged, he rejoined
his regiment near Fredericksburg. He took an active part in the field
with his regiment, including the battle of Chancellorsville, until the
beginning of the Gettysburg campaign, when he was assigned duty in the
Quartermaster's department, where he remained until relieved and ordered
with his regiment to New York City to suppress draft riots during the
summer of 1863. The succeeding fall they returned to the Army of the
Potomac, participating in its movements and battles, until February,
1864, when he re-enlisted, together with most of his regiment, but con-
tinuing the old organization. After a brief visit home on veteran fur-
lough, he returned Avith iiis regiment to the Army of the Potomac. Mr.
Uhl participated in the ''Battle of the Wilderness," on the Po, at Spott-
sylvania. North Ann, Cold Harbor, Deep Bottom, Weldon Railroad,
Hatcher's Run, and the numerous and almost incessant engagements in
the final siege of Petersburg, in one of which he had a portion of his loft
ear shot away. During a part of this time he, as First Sergeant, liad
command of the remnant of Company K. Upon the 25tli of March, 1865,
in front of Petersburg, the Twentieth had its last engagement, in which
Mr. Uhl was struck by a cannon ball, almost severing his left limb from
the body, and that night, of the original company starting from Reynolds
in 1861, only two were there to answer at roll call. After his recovery
at Army Square Hospital, Washington, D. C, Mr. Uhl was discharged
from the United States service in July, 1865.
246 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
W. E. UHL was born in Carroll County, Ind., October 25, 1848,
and is the only survivor of the three children born to Peter and Emma
(Saunders) Uhl, natives of Virginia and England. Peter Uhl is a farmer,
and is now living in Fulton County, Ind. W. E. Uhl was quite liberally
educated, and in his earlier days was a school teacher. His mother died
in 1853, and he was that year brought to this county by his grandpar-
ents, William and Matilda Saunders. In 1857, however, he returned to
his father in Fulton County. In 1870, he came to Monticello and entered
the law office of A. W. Reynolds, remaining there two years and then
beginning practice. In 1872, he was elected Prosecutor of the Court of
Common Pleas for White, Carroll and Benton Counties,but the office was
abolished in 1873, and the Circuit Court of Tippecanoe and White Coun-
ties established, and of this he was appointed Prosecuting Attorney in
March, and at a special election in October was elected to the office, which
he filled until 1875, when the circuit was changed to the Thirty-ninth
Judicial Circuit, comprising Carroll, White and Pulaski Counties, to
which he was appointed Prosecutor, which office he held until October,
1876. He continued the practice of law alone until January 1, 1880,
when he formed a partnership with H. P. Owens, which partnership was
dissolved January 1, 1883. Mr. Uhl was married, October 15, 1874, to
Miss Fannie A. Brown, of Rochester, N. Y., and to this union has been
born one child — Fara. Mr. Uhl is a Democrat, and as a counselor at law
is meeting with abundant success.
ZACHARIAH VAN BUSKIRK, deceased, one of the first of
White County's pioneers, was a native of Hampshire County, Va., and
was born August 18, 1808. His advent in White County was in the year
1833, when but few settlers were living within its borders, and those were
far outnumbered by the Indians. Mr. Van Buskirk located at Monticello,
and his worldly possessions at that time consisted of the clothes on his
back and 50 cents in money ; but aside from these he possessed a strong
heart and willing hands, and thus equipped began working at his trade
of carpenter and joiner. This was his occupation for twenty-two years,
and many of his neighbors had reason to remember him as the builder of
the cabins in which they resided. He was married to Miss Sarah Mc-
Minn December 25, 1848, and soon after this event built the house now
known as the Switzer property, on Main street, in which he passed the
remainder of his life. At one time, during his early residence here, he
served the public as County Assessor, performing the duties of this office
in person and making the entire canvass of the county on foot. He
afterward served as Democratic Township Trustee for a number of years.
Owing to asthmatic trouble, he was compelled to abandon his trade in
course of time, and for several years pursued the calling of house-painter.
CITY OF MONTICELLO. 247
but at the time of his death was engaged in the grocery trade. He died
June 24, 1866, preceded by his wife two years. They were the parents
of three children — Jay B., William H. and Leacy C, the last two named
being twins, and the last deceased. Jay B. Van Buskirk was born No-
vember 5, 1850, graduated from the classical course of Asbury Univer-
sity in 1872, and in November, 1874, became a partner of W. J. Huff
in the proprietorship and publication of the Monticello Herald, one of
the best county newspapers in Northern Indiana. November 25, 1875,
he married Miss Emma Coen, and they are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church of Monticello.
S. R. VINSON, of Roberts & Vinson, hardware dealers, is a mem-
ber of one of the oldest families of White County, his parents being Isaac
S. and Rebecca (Johnson) Vinson. S. R. Vinson was born October 18,
1840, in West Point Township, White County, receiving in youth a fair
education. He enlisted in Company F, Twenty-seventh Indiana Volun-
teer Infantry on the 12th of September, 1861, and after remaining at
Camp Morton about a month, was ordered into active duty, and the first
important engagement in which he participated was Ball's Bluff. After
this, Mr. Vinson participated in the battles of Newmarket, second Win-
chester, second Bull Run and Antietam, and at this last-named engage-
ment he was wounded by a ball in the ankle. He was an inmate of Find-
lay Hospital at Washington, D. C, for some time, and succeeding his
recovery was employed as hospital clerk until he was finally discharged
with his regiment September 12, 1864. He then came home, and shortly
afterward embarked in railroading, being first stationed in Iowa, subse-
quently at Windfall, Crown Point, and lastly at Elwood, in Indiana. In
May, 1882, he discontinued railroad life, took a trip out through Colo-
rado, New Mexico and Kansas, then returned to the county of his birth
to settle down into a steady business. He formed a partnership with E.
P. Roberts in the hardware trade in Monticello, and this firm is doing a
good business, carrying a full stock of everything to be found in a first-
class store of its kind. Mr. Vinson is a Mason and a member of the I.
O. 0. F.; he is a Republican in politics, and November 22, 1871, he was
united in marriage with Miss Lizzie A. Firth, of Reynolds. They have
two children — Maud and Hattie.
JAMES V. VINSON was born in this county February 2, 1845,
and is one of the five living children of the thirteen born to Isaac S. and
Rebecca P. (Johnson) Vinson, natives of Ohio, who came to this county
about the year 1838. James V. was reared in the backwoods of White
County until sixteen years old. Then, in July, 1861, he enlisted in Com-
pany K, Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was at Cape Hat-
teras, Fortress Monroe and Newport News ; he participated in the en-
248 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
gagement between the Congress and the Merrimac and Cumberland, and
the next day witnessed the fight between the Monitor and Merrimac.
He assisted in the reduction of Norfolk and Portsmouth, was then trans-
ferred to the Army of the Potomac, and was with his regiment in all its
engagements. At Chancellorsville, he was slightly wounded. At this
point the Sixth New Hampshire battery lost nearly all its men, and a call
was made for volunteers from the ranks to fill the battery, Mr. V. being
one of the first. He served with it at second Bull Run, where he was
taken prisoner, but luckily was paroled on the field. He served out his
parole at Annapolis, and rejoined his regiment just before the battle of
Gettysburg, in which he was an active participant At the battle of the
Wilderness, he was shot by a minie ball through the left leg, from the
effects of which he still suffers. After his final discharge, dated in July,
but not received until September, 1864, he came back to White County,
and, being disabled, learned telegraphy; since 1866, he has occupied the
position of agent for the Pittsburgh, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad Com-
pany, at the Pan Handle depot. Monticello. Mr. V. was married, in
1865, to Margaret A. Burns, who has borne him two children — Charles
R. and Frank E. In politics, Mr. V. is a Republican ; he is a Mason, a
Knight of Pythias and also a member of the G. A. R.
H. VAN VOORST, County Auditor, was born in Lucas County,
Ohio, February 27, 1844. His father, Abram Van Voorst, was a native
of New York State, and was three times married — first, to Mary Murray,
who bore him three children, two yet living, our subject being the youngest.
Mrs. Van Voorst died in 1849. In 1850, the father brought his two
children to this county, and in 1852 married Sarah Irvine. August 7,
1861, Henry Van Voorst enlisted in Company F, Twenty-seventh In-
diana Volunteer Infantry, and for two years served in the Army of the
Potomac, taking part in the battles of Winchester, Cedar Mountain,
second Bull Run, Antietam, at which last he was wounded in the head.
Gangrene set in, and for two months he was confined in the hospital at
Philadelphia. His next engagement was at Chancellorsville, where he
was wounded in the thigh by a fragment of a shell, and was sent to the
Lincoln Hospital, at Washington. After a short furlough, he rejoined
the Army of the Potomac, and in the fall of 1863 was transferred to the
Army of the West, under Gen. Hooker. He was wounded in the right
hip by a shell, at Resaca, was sent to hospital at Nashville, and finally
discharged October 13, 1864. On his return, he clerked, taught school,
learned telegraphy, and was station agent at Reynolds four years. In
1876, he was elected County Auditor, and re-elected in 1880. He was
married, December 24, 1868, to Mrs. Ellen Bunnell, who has borne him
two children — Bertie and Fred. Mr. Van Voorst is a Republican, and
his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CITY OF MONTICELLO. 249
lan-
JOHN H. WALLACE was born in Kingston, Ross Co., Ohio, Jf
uary 28, 1847, and is the son of William B. and Mary (Adamson) Wal-
lace. The family located in Big Creek Township, this county, about
1857, engaged in farming, and there the parents yet reside. 'Mr. Wal-
lace began for himself at the age of sixteen, and November 23, 1864, he
enlisted in Company G, Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He
took part in the Nashville campaign, in which the battles of Charleston,
Pulaski and Nashville were fought. In July, 1865, his regiment left
New Orleans for Texas, and September 30, 1865, was discharged at
Victoria. Mr. Wallace was paid off at Indianapolis in October, and then
returned to White County, where he has ever since resided. In 1870,
he began reading law in the office of ElJis Hughes, at Monticello; was
admitted to the bar in March, 1872, and the succeeding month began
practice. In 1874, he was admitted to practice in the State Supreme
Court, and in 1875 was admitted to the United States Supreme Court.
In 1872, he became Deputy Prosecuting Attorney: in 1876, he was
elected on the Republican ticket to the office of Prosecuting Attorney,
and in 1878 was re-elected. While holding this office, he was instru-
mental in sending thirty-four men to the penitentiary, and two women to
the penal department of the reformatory at Indianapolis. He was mar-
ried, September 9, 1874, to Miss Susie Mills, who died November 27
of the same year. December 5, 1877, he married Anna Ripley, who has
borne him one daughter — Bessie. Mr. Wallace is a member of the I. 0.
0. F., K. of P. and the G. A. R., and takes rank among the most suc-
cessful criminal lawyers of the State.
A. H. WIRT, dentist, is a native of Allentown, Lehigh Co., Penn.,
and was born March 17, 1828. At the age of six years, he was left to
battle with the realities of life by the death of his father, and, although
among relatives, his experience for the first eight years was anything but
pleasant. When fourteen years old, he was bound out to learn tailoring,
but being brutally treated by his preceptor, three times ran away, the
first two times being overtaken and brought back. When seventeen years
old, he ran away the third time, and in spite of his guardian's persua-
sions to return, asserted his determination of being a man and doing for
himself among strangers. Never liking the tailor's trade, he discontinued
it in 1848, and began the study of dentistry at Mauch Chunk, afterward
at Allentown. After four year's instruction, he began work on his own
responsibility in his native town, but subsequently worked at his profes-
sion in different places in Pennsylvania, during which time he obtained a
thorough knowledge of practical dentistry. In 1858, he first came to
Monticello, and opening an office was not long in establishing a good prac-
tice. On his arrival, his total possessions, besides the clothes on his back
250 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
and the instruments of his profession, consisted of just 5 cents in money.
He has been enabled to secure a good home by diligence and economy, and
is one of the progressive and substantial men of Monticello. To the mar-
riage of Dr. Wirt and Miss Grace Tilton, which occurred in the fall of
1859, have been born four children — William, Zebulon, Rebecca and
Mary Grace. Dr. Wirt cast his first vote with the Whig party, but in
1856 voted for Col. John C. Fremont, and has since been a Republican,
He is a member of the F. & A. M., and the Sovereigns of the Red Star.
UNION TOWNSHIP.
ROBERT R. BRECKENRIDGE was born in Washington County,
Ohio, November 21, 1844. Of the ten children born to his parents, John
and Martha (Dunlap) Breckenridge, only five are now living, and these
reside in Union Township. John Breckenridge and wife were both
natives of Scotland, where they were married and where Mr. Brecken-
ridge learned the trade of cabinet-making. They crossed the Atlantic to
the United States in about 1835, and for ten years and a half resided in
Washington County, Ohio. They then removed to Indiana, locating in
Tippecanoe County, and five and a half years later moved to the farm
now owned by Daniel McCuaig, in Union Township. Mr. Breckenridge
died here December 28, 1870, followed by his widow some years later.
Like the majority of his countrymen in White County, Mr. Breckenridge
retained many of the virtues instilled into his mind while in the old coun-
try, among which was his faithful adherence to the Presbyterian Church.
Robert R. Breckenridge was reared a farmer, and such has always been
his occupation. After receiving a good commercial education, he began
teaching school, and of the seven terms he has taught, four have been
in White County. At the age of twenty-two, he began doing for him-
self, and for a few years farmed in White County, afterward spending
about three years in Illinois and Kansas. In 1871, he located perma-
nently in Union Township, and has ever since resided here. He owns 125
acres of good land, and was married, December 18, 1873, to Miss Jane
Reynolds, daughter of John Reynolds, deceased, and they have had two
children — George C. and Mabel (deceased). The mother was born Sep-
tember 29, 1854, in White County. Mr. Breckenridge, in politics, is a
Democrat, and has served Union Township over five years as Trustee.
He and wife aremembers of the Presbyterian Church,
JAMES BURNS, a native of Mifflin County, Penn., was born near
Lewistown November 10, 1825, is one of four surviving children in a
UNION TOWNSHIP. 251
family of eight, and is one of Union Township's progressive citizens.
Hugh and Elizabeth (Turner) Burns, his parents, were also natives of
Mifflin County, and of Scotch and Irish descent respectively. The spring
of 1835, Hugh Burns and family removed to Montgomery County, Ohio,
remaining there four and a half years, engaged in farming, but the fall of
1839, they again started Westward, intending to settle near Springfield,
111, After leaving La Fayette, Ind., they missed the road and by acci-
dent wandered to White County, where, meeting an old schoolmate, John
Rothrock, since deceased, he was induced by him to settle permanently
here. Mr. Burns located in Union Township, two miles south of Mon-
ticello, where he died in about 1842, followed by his widow some twenty
years later. James Burns made his home with his widowed mother until
her death, shortly after which he moved to where he now resides and en-
gaged in farming. He was reared principally in White County, acquired
a fair education, and in 1865 married Mrs. Mary Jane Burns, a daughter
of John Burns, of Big Creek Township. Three sons were born to this
union, the last named being dead — Samuel E., Bertie and John. The
mother died in August, 1877, and in May, 1880, Mr. Burns married
Susan Ferry, whose parents now reside in York County, Neb. He owns
a farm of 105 acres, is a Democrat and the present Road Superintendent
of Union Township.
A. CORNELL, son of Benjamin and Rosanna (Foley) Cornell, was
born in Franklin County, Ohio, September 29,1811, and was reared
in Clarke County, same State. In 1832, he and parents moved to Elk-
hart County, Ind. ; in 1834, he came to this county and engaged in
school teaching and farming. In the fall of 1834, he returned to Elkhart
County, where he owned land, and April 2, 1835, he married Mary
Worthington. In 1844, he came back to White County, and followed
farming in Jackson and Liberty Townships until 1853, when he moved
to Kansas. January 1, 1861, notwithstanding his age, he enlisted in the
Sixteenth Kansas Cavalry, and was soon detailed as Veterinary Surgeon,
in which position he remained until' his discharge, December 6, 1865. He
then returned to Kansas, but in 1876 came back to remain permanently
in White County. His wife died August 19, 1849, the mother of three
children — Sarah A., now Mrs. G. W. Scott ; Mary J., now Mrs. J. M.
Humphrey ; and Martha M., now Mrs. B. F. Moore. Mr. Cornell was
re-married, but his second wife, Mary Ann Simpson, survived her mar-
riage but two months. Mr. Cornell is now living with his youngest
daughter in this township. He is a Republican, and a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN DUNLAP is a native of the Highlands of Scotland, born in
Argylshire December 8, 1808. He was reared to manhood in his native
252 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
country, received only an ordinary schooling, and the fall of 1834 shipped
on board the brig " Nora," bound from Grennock to New York, arriving
at the destined port after a voyage of six weeks and three days. On
this same vessel David Breckenridge and family took passage, and, on
their arrival in this country Mr. Dunlap and the Breckenridge family
found homes in Washington County, Ohio, where they engaged in farm-
ing. It was here on the 20th of November, 1835, that Mr. Dunlap
married Charlotte Breckenridge, who was born February 12, 1814, in
Argylshire, Scotland. In 1851, Mr. Dunlap and wife moved from Wash-
ington County, Ohio, to Tippecanoe County, Ind., remaining there only
a few months. The fall of 1851, he came to White County and purchased
300 acres of new land in Union Township, and the succeeding spring
moved his family to this place, erected a house and has lived here ever
since. He and wife have had twelve children born to them, only the fol-
lowing named are yet living — Charlotte (Mrs. J. P. Henderson), Mary
(Mrs. George Cowger), Andrew, Martha and Margaret (Mrs. Charles
Page). Mr. and Mr. Dunlap have been hard-working and industrious
people, have passed through many of the inconveniences of pioneer life,
and by industry and economy have secured a good home to shelter them
in their old age. Mr. Dunlap, although passed threescore and ten years,
is yet hale and hearty, and is one of the county's best citizens. He is a
Democrat in politics, has served Union Township five years as Trustee,
and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
BENJAMIN B. GLAZIER, a farmer of Southern Union Township,
was born at Delphi, Ind., July 3, 1840, and his father was Henry R.
Glazier, a native of Vermont, a potter by trade, and one of the pioneers
of Carroll County. Henry R. Glazier operated the first carding and
cloth-dressing machine in Carroll County, afterward starting the first
pottery in Delphi. His wife was Margaret Barnhart, a native of Ohio,
and four children were born to them, two of whom are yet living. Mr.
Glazier departed this life in 1846, and about a year after this event his
widow married Philip Wolverton, together moving to White County in
March, 1848, settling in Big Creek Township. Mrs. Wolverton bore her
second husband two children, and died in 1878, preceded by Mr. Wolver-
ton about eight years. Benjamin B. Glazier has always made his home
in White County from the time he was seven years ol d. His educational
advantages were limited, but by studying nights and taking advantage of
unoccupied time, he was enabled to acquire sufiicient education, to teach
school. He became a member of Company D, Twelfth Indiana Volunteer
Infantry, in August, 1863, and participated in every campaign and mpve:
ment of his company, until the close of the war, and was finally discharged
June 5, 1865. He then returned to White County, and the winter of
UNION TOWNSHIP. 253
1865 taught his last terra of school, since when he has been engaged in
farming. March 15, 1866, his marriage with Harriet Hornbeck was
solemnized, and the following family was the result of their union: Minnie,
Wilda M., deceased, Margaret and one that died in infancy, without being
named. Mr. Glazier is a Republican and has served Big Creek Town-
ship as Assessor two years. He owns a farm of 115 acres in Union
Township, resides on Section 28, and he and wife belong to the United
Brethren Church.
JOSEPH PRICE, son of Peter Price, deceased, a sketch of whom
will be found elsewhere in this volume, was born in Mifflin County, Penn.,
February 7, 1829, and at the age of two years was brought to what was
then Carroll County, by his parents. September 15, 1852, he married
Ellen Cochell, a native of Pennsylvania, and that same year moved to
his present place in Jefferson Township, Carroll County, Ind., two and
one half miles from Monticello. To his marriage there have been born
nine children, viz.: Isaac, deceased, Mary A., deceased; Franklin, who
married Ella Plummer, and resides in this township ; Peter P., deceased ;
Emma, who was married to Philip Wolverton and died, leaving one child,
Margaret E.; Evaline, John L., Ida M., and one — the first born — that
died in infancy unnamed. Mrs. Price died November 4, 1873, and June
10, 1874, Mr. Price married Maria L. Stout, who has borne him three
children — Josie, deceased ; Benjamin and Edna. Mr. Price owns 480
acres of land in this county, and about an equal number in Carroll County;
he is an Odd Fellow and a Republican, and he and wife are members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
EMANUEL REISH, of the Norway Mills, is a native of Union
County, Penn., where he was born October 6, 1833. He is a son of
Solomon and Lydia (Stees) Reish, who are of German descent and also
natives of Pennsylvania. In 1843, the Reish family moved to Colum-
biana County, Ohio, and eight years later emigrated to Huntington, Ind.
From this place they removed to White County in 1853, settled in Lib-
erty Township and engaged in farming. In 1865, the parents moved to
Francesville, Pulaski County, where both are yet living. Emanuel Reish
is the eldest of five children, one being deceased. He was reared on a
farm ; began doing for himself the fall of 1853, and, July 10, 1854, was
married to Miss Elizabeth Summers, of Columbiana County, Ohio. Two
children were born to this union, both of whom are now dead, and the
mother departed this life August 23, 1863. Mr. Reish followed farming
until the past few years, and he yet owns 190 acres good land in Liberty
Township, all of which he has acquired by hard work and economy. Sep-
tember 29, 1864, he married his first wife's sister, Miss Sally Summers,
and February 12th, 1878, he traded one of his farms in Liberty Town-
254 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ship for a half interest in the flouring mills at Norway, to which place he
moved in April, 1878. Mr. Reish is among the progressive citizens of
White County, is a Republican in politics, a member of the A. 0. U. W.,
and Mrs. Reish is a member of the Christian Church.
B. K. ROACH, President of the Old Settlers' Association of White
County, was born in Allegheny County, Penn., May 16, 1810, and is the
youngest of a family of fourteen children born to Peter and Sarah (Kep-
ner) Roach, all reared to maturity, but of whom there are only two now
living. Peter Roach came from Ireland ; his wife was born in Pennsyl-
vania, and is of German descent. B. K. Roach was a small boy when
his parents moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, where he was reared to
manhood. October 10, 1833, he married Eliza J. Thompson, who was
born in Columbiana County, in August, 1814. To this union were born
nine children, viz. : Nancy C, Sarah A., Margaret J., Thomas D.,
James B., William (deceased), John T., David G., and Robert Gr.
(deceased). In September, 1862, the parents came to this township, and
settled on 484 acres of raw land. Here Mrs. Roach died January 31,
1879, a faithful adherent of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr.
Roach also has been a member for the past forty years.
THOMAS D. ROACH was born in Columbiana County, Ohio,
January 10, 1840, and came first to this county in July, 1861 ; then vis-
ited Jasper County, and returned to this county in August, 1862, and
enlisted in Company G, Sixty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He
was on detached duty at Indianapolis until February, 1864, when he
joined his regiment at Camp Nelson, in Kentucky. His first fight was
at Resaca, on the 15th and 16th of May, 1864 ; he then took part in the
fights at Kenesaw Mountain and Big Shanty, and the siege of Atlanta;
then he joined Gen. Thomas at Knoxville, fighting at Columbia and
Franklin, Tenn ; then went to Nashville, taking part in the fight of the
15th and 16th of December, 1864 ; then to Virginia and to Fort Fisher,
N. C, and to Wilmington. He received his final discharge at Greens-
boro, June 21, 1865, and since then he has resided in this county.
JAMES B. ROACH was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, October
17, 1842, and came to White County November 7, 1861, where he
taught two terms of school, and then engaged in farming. August 9,
1862, he enlisted in Company G, Sixty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
and on the organization of the company was made Corporal. He was
placed on detached duty in the ofiice of Capt. Bradner, Provost Marshal
at Indianapolis, where he remained about one year, and then joined his
regiment at Camp Nelson, receiving his discharge at David's Island Hos-
pital, Long Island, June 20, 1865. For thirteen years after his return,
he engaged in clerking in Monticello, but is now employed in stock-rais-
UNION TOWNSHIP. 255
ing and working his farm of eighty acres. He was married, December
18, 1872, to Mary S. Berkey, daughter of Michael and Margaret (Logan)
Berkey, who were among White County's oldest settlers. He has had
born to him two children — Margaret B. and Frank B.
ROBERT ROTHROCK, one of the pioneers of this county, was
born in Mifflin County, Penn., February 19, 1807, and died in White
County, Ind., February 17, 1882, a member of long standing in the
Christian Church. He came to what is now White County when it was
all a wilderness, and entered from the Government the land on which
Monticello now stands. In the fall of 1832, he married Eliza Means^
who died in the fall of the following year, leaving no children. In 1837,
he married Catherine McKee, who bore him seven children— Robert
McK., William M., Mary H., Orpah S., Hervey P., John A. and Joseph
T. The mother died August 20, 1855, and in 1856 Mr. Rothrock mar-
ried Elizabeth Mowrer, who has borne him three children, of whom two
are living — Kate V., now Mrs. John R. Cowger, and Lizzie, now Mrs.
James Worthington. James was the second born to this union, but died
in infancy. Of the seven children born to Mr. R, 's second marriage,
three are married, viz.: Robert, Mary (Mrs. H. W. Sanderson), and
Orpah (Mrs. James L. Goodwin).
WILLIAM ROTHROCK, a pioneer of White County, and one of
its most substantial citizens, was born in Mifflin County, Penn., August
28, 1821, and became a resident of Union Township when only ten
years old. John Rothrock, his father, was of German descent, a farmer,
and was twice married, his first wife being Mary Ann Keifer. Their
union was solemnized March 20, 1806, and a family of eight children
born to them, only two of whom are now living. The mother died
November 12, 1822, and for his last wife Mr. Rothrock married Mrs.
Sarah Hopper, and, in 1831, the family came to what is now White
County, Ind. Mr. Rothrock had looked up this location in 1830, and
on their arrival he obtained full possession of the property, having left
sufficient money with a friend at Delphi to purchase the land as soon as
,it came into market. The family was sheltered by a tent until a log
cabin, 12x14 feet, was erected, and this was their home for many years.
Here Mr. Rothrock and family encountered all the trials and inconven-
iences of a pioneer's life, going forty or fifty miles for milling and
marketing, obtaining but very little for their produce, and paying the
highest prices for provisions, etc. Mrs. Rothrock died in about 1886,
Mr. Rothrock surviving her until February 10, 1860, when he, too, died.
William Rothrock, from the time he was ten years old to the present,
has always lived in White County. November 11, 1848, he married
Elizabeth Cockell, who was also a native of Mifflin County, Penn., com-
256 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ing to White County with her parents in 1846. The names of the chil-
dren born to them are — Mary J. (Mrs. Samuel Hornbeck), Sarah A.,
Martha, Eliza (Mrs. F. Britton), and Belle. Mr. Rothrock is one of the
large land-owners and extensive stock-raisers of White County. He is
a Democrat, and, although not an aspirant for political honors, has served
in various local positions of honor and trust. He and wife are members
of the German Baptist Church.
MRS. SUSANAH SHAFER, one of the few remaining old set-
tlers of White County, was born in Rockingham County, Va., June 16,
1810, and is the daughter of John and Mary (Cyman) Peebles. The
parents moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, when Mrs. Shafer was but
eight years of age, and there, December 1, 1832, she was married to
James Shafer, who was born in Perry County, Ohio, August 7, 1806,
and was a son of Joseph and Margaret (Robinson) Shafer. For two
years they resided in Perry County, and then, in company with two
brothers of Mr. Shafer, came to this county, and entered a quarter-section
of land, on which Mrs. S. still lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Shafer there
were born eight children, viz.: Mary, now Mrs. Daniel Spears; Margaret,
deceased; Jane, now Mrs. William Lane; Alexander R.; John P.; Jos-
eph, deceased ; Samuel, deceased, and James. Mr. Shafer was a highly
respected citizen, and served as County Commissioner of White County
for a number of years, dying October 14, 1849. On the 6th of January,
1853, Mrs. Shafer married her deceased husband's brother, Samuel, but
this gentleman died March 18, 1875. Mrs. Shafer is the owner of
much valuable land in the southern part of Union Township, the
home farm comprising 400 acres, on which she has resided the greater
part of her life. Joseph Shafer, the eldest of the three brothers who
came to White County in 1834, never married, but lived with Mr. and
Mrs. Shafer twenty-two years, and then he moved to Illinois, where he
died eighteen days before the death of his brother Samuel.
PERRY SPENCER was born in this township August 16, 1841,
and is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Barnett) Spencer, and one of a
family of eight children, of whom three only are living. November 12, ,
1868, he married Susan, the daughter of John and Martha (Dyer) Rob-
erts, and in April, 1865, moved to the place of his present residence,
where he is engaged in farming and trading in stock. There has been
born to him one son, Robert, June 5, 1868. Mrs. Spencer was born in
this township November 6, 1841. Mr. Spencer owns between 600 and
700 acres of land in the southern part of the township, a part of which
is the old homestead.. On all subjects he is independent in his views,
but always takes an active part in the development of any measures cal-
culated to advance the interests of his township and county.
^"\
I :ii^ ::7:h:i\
THOMAS SPENCER
( DECEASED.)
WHITE CO.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
AS'lSiS, LlUHliX ANr.
11L&E N l^OL) N DA' r i c ^
UNION TOWNSHIP. 259
THOMAS McKEAN THOMPSON, deceased, was born June 28,
1810, in Steubenville, Ohio. His father, after whom he was named,
was a nephew of Thomas McKean, an ex-Governor of Pennsyl-
vania and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence ; and his
mother was Alletta Halstead, who bore her husband a family of nine chil-
dren, only four of whom yet live. The family moved to Granville, Ohio,
in 1817, and there the subject of this sketch was reared to manhood.
After attending public school in his earlier years, he became a student at
Kenyon College but remained only one year, afterward entering Miami
University, where he graduated at the end of three years. He read law
in the office of Col. Marthiat, of Newark, Ohio, until he had a thorough
knowledge of that profession, and in about 1834 he went to Indianapolis
and began practice. In 1837, he came to Monticello, where he continued
the practice of law and engaged in other occupations. For a number of
years he was Justice of the Peace, and in 1851 was elected County Auditor.
In politics, Mr. Thompson was a warm supporter of the Whig party un-
til the organization of the Republican party, when he joined its ranks
and remained in hearty accord with the same until his death. He was
married to Mary Ann Sheetz, December 17, 1843, and a family of seven
children were born to them — Elbert H., Frederick S., Margaret A., James
M., Mary I., Maud and Minnie. The mother was born in Hampshire
County, Va., November 21, 1825 and died October 24, 1867. Mr.
Thompson died August 24, 1881, and both he and wife lie sleeping side
by side in the Sheetz burying-ground, situated a short distance above
Monticello on the banks of the Tippecanoe. Mr. Thompson was one of
the best men ever in White County and his liberality and kindly ways
endeared him to many warm and lasting friends. Both he and wife were
members of the Presbyterian Church. The old homestead left and its
additions now amount to about 500 acres of good land, and is owned by
the children of Mr, and Mrs. Thompson. The Sheetz family were
among the first in White County.
NOAH TUCKER is a son of Jonathan Tucker, who was a native of
Tennessee, and became a resident of Indiana as early as 1834, but not a
permanent one. Jonathan Tucker was of Swiss descent, his grandfather
being the family progenitor in this country, and his occupation was that
of a farmer and miller. He married Sarah Swisher, and of the thirteen
children born to them only seven are now living, as is also the mother,
but Mr. Tucker died a number of years ago in White County. Noah
Tucker's birth occurred in Montgomery County, Ohio, June 18, 1829,
and on reaching the age of twenty-one he began doing for himself. The
greater part of his life has been passed as a contractor and builder, and
this was one of the inducements that led him to locate at Delphi,
260 ' BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Ind., in 1864. In 1852, he secured Keziah Kennard for a wife, but this
lady died in 1860, leaving one daughter — Viana, yet living. Four years
after the loss of his first wife Mr. Tucker married Sarah J. Kitchen, who
has borne him two children — Flora and Lewis. In 1866, he began farm-
ing in Liberty Township, White County, but he discontinued this and
moved to Kokomo in 1868, having contracted for the erection of the
court house of Howard County and other valuable buildings. In the
spring of 1871, he returned to his farm in White County. Having
formed a partnership with Emanuel Reish in the purchase of the flouring
mill at Norway, he moved to this place in 1878 and has since made it
his home, although yet owning a farm of 160 acres in Liberty Township.
Through the enterprise of Reish & Tucker, new and improved machinery
has been introduced into their mill. It is operated by water-power, has
three runs of buhrs, with a capacity of fifty barrels per day, and is a three-
story frame, including a stone basement, 45x60 feet. In addition to their
milling interest, the firm buys grain quite extensively and they transact
an average annual business of about $65,000. Mr. Tucker is a Repub-
lican and a Mason, and Mrs. Tucker belongs to the Christian Church.
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.
F. ALKIRE was born in the State of Ohio, February 13, 1813,
and in 1837 came to Indiana and settled in Tippecanoe County, where,
about 1838, he married Miss Rachel Hayes, a native of Ohio. He farmed
his eighty acres of land until 1854 or 1855, when he came to this county
and entered three eighty-acre lots, and then- purchased until he owned
about 2,000 acres, all in Prairie Township, and all under cultivation,
except a portion reserved for timber. He has heretofore dealt largely in
live stock, and some years back used annually to drive from 400 to 600
head of cattle to Philadelphia or Madison County, Ohio, and so continued
to do until the railroads afforded him better facilities ; he also handled
100 to 200 head of hogs, and about 150 head of sheep. Mrs. Alkire
died in September, 1871, and subsequently Mr- Alkire married Mrs.
Eliza A. Hayes, a widow, and daughter of James and ISTancy Griffith.
Mr. Alkire has had born to him five children — Mary A. (deceased), Cyn-
thia J. (deceased), I. R., R. H. and W. T., and he has assisted all his
sons to good farms.
ISAAC R. ALKIRE was born in Ohio, May 2, 1839, and is the
eldest of the five children born to Fergus and Rachel (Hayes) Alkire.
His boyhood was passed chiefly in Tippecanoe County, Ind., and after
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 261
1852 in this county, and he was reared a farmer. In 186', in Tippe-
canoe County, he married Miss Ellen Chilton, a native of Kentucky. Her
parents, James and Mary Chilton, were natives of Virginia, and her
father, who was a farmer, died in Tippecanoe County, this State. The
first land owned by Mr. Alkire was an improved farm of 160 acres in this
township, which he sold, and then bought a similar place near his present
residence ; this, in turn, he disposed of, and purchased his present farm
of 600 acres, of which 450 are under cultivation. He has a fine
frame dwelling and commodious outbuildings ; he deals considerably in
stock — mostly cattle and horses — and keeps ten or twelve horses for farm
use. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and is the father of one child —
011a M.
W. T. ALKIRE was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind., February
13, 1843, and was married in White County to Miss Rebecca J., daughter
of Samuel and Nancy Ramey, and a native of White. The year after his
marriage, he settled on his present farm on Section 28, this township,
within a half mile of Brookston, and comprising 600 acres. He deals in
live stock, and ships from 100 to 150 short-horn and graded cattle per
annum, and about 200 hogs ; he has eighteen to twenty horses, and his
staple farm product is corn, of which he raises from 5,000 to 6,000
bushels per year; of hay, he raises from 100 to 150 tons, chiefly for feed
on the farm. He has a fine dwelling, and his farm buildings are con-
venient and commodious. Mrs. Alkire is a member of the Christian
Church, and their two children, Reed C. and Edward F., are both attend-
ing the academy at Brookston.
S. C. ANDERSON is a native of J. Q. Adams Township, Warren
County, and is the son of Robert and Mary Anderson, pioneers of War-
ren, where they settled in 1832-33; there the father died in 1879 and
the mother in 1881. S. C. Anderson was married in Warren County to
Miss Martha Railsback. In 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Seventy-
second Indiana Mounted Infantry, and served under Gen. Wilder from
Buzzard's Roost to Big Shanty, Ga. — in all about eighteen months. He
then worked in Champaign County, 111., and Warren County, Ind., for
awhile, and finally, in 1877, settled on his present farm of 200 acres in
this township, which he subsequently increased to 440 acres. His crop
of corn reaches 5,000 bushels ; wheat, 500 to 600 bushels ; and hay, 40
to 50 tons ; he also rears 40 to 50 cattle ; 75 to 100 hogs ; 100 sheep,
and about 14'horses annually. Having lost his wife, he married Miss
Sarah 'Dobbins, daughter of Yaus Dobbins, and a native of Virginia. To
his first marriage there were born two children — Edgar and Altha, both
deceased. To his second marriage, three children — Dickey, Dollie and
Robert.
262 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
J. E. BARNES was born in Pike County, Ohio, and is the ninth in
a family of ten children born to John and Elizabeth (Boydston) Barnes,
who were natives respectively of Virginia and North Carolina. J. E.
Barnes remained on the home farm until twenty-four years of age, and
then came to this State and settled on Pretty Prairie, Tippecanoe County,
in 1848. In 1854, he and a brother came to this township and purchased
a farm, which they managed together until 1856-57, when they dissolved
partnership. Mr. Barnes now owns 280 acres, but one time possessed
520. He handled 80 to 100 head of cattle; 80 to 100 hogs; 30 to 35
horses ; and a few sheep annually, but recently has confined himself to
the sale of stock of his own raising. May 21, 1855, in this township,
he married Miss Malinda, daughter of John Nelson, and a native of
Tippecanoe County, and to this union four children have been born —
Elizabeth A., Lillie A., Minnie M. and James E. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he also is
Steward and Trustee.
JAMES BARR was born in Franklin County, Ohio, January 4,
1813, and in 1831 came to what is now White County, Ind., and was, of
course, one of its earliest settlers. In 1842, he married, in Tippecanoe
County, Miss Eliza J. Shaw, a daughter of John Shaw, who was among
the pioneers of Tippecanoe, having located at Battle Ground as early as
1829, and it was at that point he died. His wife was born near Rich-
mond, Wayne Co., Ind. In the spring of 1843, Mr. and Mrs. Barr set-
tled on Section 8, this township, and cleared up a farm of 360 acres,
which was finely improved by Mr. Barr, and surrounded with all that is
needed to make farm life pleasant ; here he died, November 10, 1876, a
loss to his family and neighbors irreparable. His widow still survives and
is conducting the home farm with success.
P. M. BENJAMIN was born in Jasper County, Ind., and is the son
of P. M. and Fisbie Benjamin, who were pioneers of the county named.
The family came to White County when our subject was but two years
old, and located in Liberty Township and cleared up a farm, on which the
earlier years of Mr. Benjamin's life were passed. November 6, 1867,
he married Miss Elizabeth N., daughter of Adam Hornbeck, and a native
of this county. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Christian Church
and the parents of two children — Rebie and Maggie. In 1875, Mr.
Benjamin settled on his present farm of ninety-three acres, in this town-
ship, which he has improved with a fine frame dwelling and other build-
ings. During the late war, Mr. Benjamin served three years in Company
G, Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted at the age of seven-
teen. He passed through the early fights in West Virginia and at Cheat
Mountains, was in the Atlantic campaign and in the two days' fight at
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 263
Nashville, and in numerous minor battles and skirmishes, and escaped
without a wound.
AUGUSTUS S. BORDNER is a native of Berks County, Penn.,
and is the son of Augustus and Harriet Bordner, residents of Rehrers-
burg. Our subject's boyhood was passed on his father's farm and in
attending the common schools. Later he attended the Freeland Semi-
nary, Montgomery County, Penn., and then taught for six winters and
one full year. He came to Brookston in 1868, and in 1870- engaged in
the lumber trade, in which he still continues. Mr. Bordner was married
in Brookston to Miss E. C. Anderson, a daughter of John Anderson, a
farmer of Ford County, 111., and to this union has been born one child,
Ira J. Mr. Bordner has served as Trustee of Prairie Township for
three terms ; he is a Royal Arch Mason, and both he and wife are mem-
bers of the Universalist Church.
WILLIAM BOSTICK was born in Ross County, Ohio, and is the
son of Joseph and Adilla (Chestnut) Bostick, pioneers of Ross County.
Joseph Bostick came to White County in the winter of 1832, and assisted
in organizing the first court held in the county, at which a culprit, for
want of a jail, was sentenced to stand for a number of hours in a ring
formed by th^ citizens, and then released. Mr. Bostick lived at Brook-
ston about six months, but settled on a farm on Section 25, where he
ended his days. William Bostick passed his boyhood on the farm, but
learned the carpenter's trade after he had attained his majority. He
was married in October, 1854, to Miss Hannah Chestnut, who died in
1855, March 25, 1858, he married Miss Maria Carr, daughter of Sol-
omon and Elizabeth Carr. This lady died in 1868, and in 1869 he
married Miss Jennie Carr, sister of his deceased wife. Mr. Bostick lived
in Brookston about fourteen years, engaged at his trade, and about 1872
moved upon the old farm. His children are seven in number — Viola, J.
E. and Altona by his second marriage, and Labota, AUa, Guy and Will-
iam W. by his last marriage.
A. L. BROWJS" was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind., in 1885, and
is the son of Peter 0. Brown, now aged seventy-seven years. Our sub-
ject began preparing himself for the medical profession, but never prac-
ticed. He became a citizen of this county in 1863, and was married at
Monticello in 1867, to Miss Sarah M., daughter of James Chilton, and
to this union two children have been born — Agnes M. and Lulu M. Mr.
Brown is the owner of eighty acres of good land, and at present is oper-
ating a general store at Badger, of which place he is the Postmaster.
J. P. CARR was born in Ohio, and is the son of Solomon Carr, a
farmer of German and English descent, who became a resident of White
County in 1854 or 1855, and here died. J. P. Carr was reared in Ohio,
264 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
and came to this county in 1848, locating at the point where Chalmers
now stands, where he was engaged in herding cattle for parties in Ohio,
for whom he had been buying stock for a compensation of 50 cents
per day. He next summer hired out, with two good horses, to John
Price, for $200 per year, and worked for him fourteen months, losing
only one day. He married Mr. Price's daughter, Catharine, and pur-
chased 100 acres of timber land east of Brookston, and since, from time
to time, has made purchases, until he now qwns between 2,200 and 2,500
acres, of which 1,800 are included in his present farm. He is thus the
largest landholder in the township, and is said to be the second largest
tax payer in the county. In 1876, he was elected by the Republicans
to the Legislature, and served in a regular and a special term, and in
1880 was re-elected, and served again one regular and one special term.
Having lost his wife, he married, February 23, 1868, Sarah A. Cochi-an,
daughter of Andrew Cochran, and a native of Jefferson County, Ind.
Mr, Carr has four children living, all born to him by his first marriage —
William W., John P., Sarah L. and Noonie.
A. COCHRAN is a native of Jefferson County, Ind., and is the third
of the eleven children born to Andrew and Elizabeth (Woods) Cochran.
He was married in Madison, Ind., in 1849, to Miss Minerva G. Morris,
a native of Indiana, and daughter of William Morris. After a three
years' residence in Madison, Mr. Cochran moved to New Albany, and in
1854 came to Brookston, where, in 1870, he established his present busi-
ness of undertaking, dealing in furniture and house-building. He has
four business rooms in a row, owns four lots and part of two others, and
has another house and lot in the east part of town, and also owns one
farm of eighty acres and one of twenty. He has served as Town Trustee
six or seven years, and as School Trustee two or three years. Mrs.
Cochran died in 1857, and his second wife was a Miss Michelle French,
who died November 30, 1882. Mr. Cochran has three children living —
William A. by his first wife, and Sherman and C. C. by his second. Mr.
Cochran has been a very successful business man, and stands well in his
community and in the Odd Fellows' order.
CALVIN COOLEY was born in Ross County, Ohio, November 25,
1821, and is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Cooley, natives of Pennsyl-
vania. The family removed at an early day to a farm lying partly in
Tippecanoe County and partly in Clinton, Ind., and on this farm the
parents died. There Calvin Cooley went to school, and also learned to
be a brick-molder, and at the age of nineteen began life on his own
account, he and a brother owning an eight-horse-power threshing ma-
chine, which they operated three years without opposition. May 26,
1841, in Montgomery County, he married Miss Eliza, a native of Ross
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 265
County, Ohio, and daughter of Louis and Mary Dunbar. The young
couple lived a year on rented land in Clinton County, Ind., then moved
to Montgomery, and thence came to this township and purchased eighty
acres of his present farm, near Brookston, then in a state of nature, but
now highly cultivated and improved, with a brick residence, the brick
having been molded by Mr. Cooley himself. Mr. and Mrs. Cooley are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have one living child —
Martha A., who is married.
DR. S. RANDALL COWGER was born in Monon Township, this
county, March 6, 1847, and is a son of Silas and Elizabeth S. (Bott)
Cowger, who were among the earliest pioneers of White, settling first in
Big Creek Township, and then removing to Monon Township, where the
father died in March, 1862, and the mother in October, 1877. Dr. Cow-
ger was reared on a farm, and at the age of fifteen took charge of the
homestead on the death of his father. He had attended the public schools
in the country, but when seventeen years old came to Monticello and at-
tended the schools here, for three years, teaching in the country mean-
while, and reading medicine the last year. In the spring of 1867, he
entered the office of Dr. Morris, read under him two years, then re-com-
menced teaching, but still pursued his medical studies. The spring of
1871 he entered the office of Dr. Robinson, remained till October, and
then went to Cincinnati and attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical
College. In 1872, he returned to Monticello, accepted a partnership
with Dr. Robinson, and practiced with him about two years. He then
conducted an individual practice until 1878, when he again entered the
Eclectic Medical Institute, for the express purpose of receiving instruc-
tions in diseases of the eye, ear and throat, and graduated in February,
1879. Then, for a year and a half, he practiced in conjunction with Dr.
Robinson, and since then has been alone. He now occupies a prominent
position among the practitioners of White County. In politics, he is in-
dependent in his views, and votes for the man of his choice, rather than
through party influence. He was married, November 30, 1880, to Miss
Maria Ruland, and is now the father of one son — Clarence R. Although
he began his professional career at the foot of the ladder, he has now
reached the topmost round, and is the possessor of one of the finest libra-
ries of medical works in White County.
G. W. DYER is a native of Virginia, and is the son of Zebulon and
Eliza Dyer, who came to this county in 1835, and remained here until
1S40, when they moved to Carroll County. G. W. Dyer was about four
years old when he was brought to this county by his parents ; he received
a meager education in the frontier schoolhouse, and assisted his father in
improving the Carroll County farm until 1854, when he bought his pres-
266 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ent place on Section 18, this township, in partnership with a brother.
They have in all about 220 acres, raise wheat, corn and other products,
and raise considerable live-stock. Mr. Dyer was married at Monticello
in 1868, to Mrs. Vanscoy.
CHESTER CLARK FRENCH, the third son of David S. French,
D. D., and Hannah L.French, was born at Covington, Fountain County,
Ind., February 21, 1850. His father was born and reared in Miami
County, Ohio, and his mother in Philadelphia, Penn. In the spring of
1858, his father having just finished a term of office as Treasurer of Fount-
ain County, the family moved to a farm in Vermillion County, 111., where
Chester was given plenty of work and there his habits of morality and in-
dustry were formed. Schoolhouses were scarce, and to walk two and a
half miles through driving winds and snow to school, in winter, was
almost a daily occurrence. In the spring of 1863, his father moved ta
Mahomet, 111., and in the spring of 1866 resigned the pastorate of the
Baptist Church at that place and accepted a call to Bloomfield, 111. He
rented a small farm two miles from town, which he made interesting for
his family of boys in the summer, but sent them to school in the winter.
It was there that, during a series of religious meetings, Chester united
with the church. In the fall of 1868, the family moved to Brookston,
and there Chester entered the academy to prepare for college. In the
fall of 1870, he received a teacher's certificate, taught his first school at
Henderson's Schoolhouse, the same winter, and during his thirty-six
months of actual teaching succeeded well. In the fall of 1871, he entered
the University of Chicago and studied three years, doing chores mornings,
evenings and Saturdays, to meet expenses. Among his patrons was
Charles H. Reed, State's Attorney for Chicago, and afterward attorney for
C. J. Guiteau, the assassin. Mr. French acquired a liberal knowledge
of the higher mathematics, of the sciences and of literature, and of the
German, Latin and Greek languages. He next began the study of med-
icine, under John Medaris, but in August, 1874, relinquished study and
in partnership with his father purchased the Brookston Reporter. In 1878
Mr. Chester French became and still is sole proprietor. In August,
1878, he was appointed Clerk in the United States Railway Mail Service.
In 1880, he was commissioned Census Enumerator, and in 1882 was
elected Clerk of Brookston, and re-elected the following year. He has
also been twice commissioned Notary Public in White County. Mr.
French is favorably known as a vocalist and orator as well as lecturer,
and his interest in educational institutions is unbounded. He has been
a great traveler, and is the possessor of a large variety of relics and me-
mentoes collected in his rambles. At the Fourth of July celebration at
Monon, in 1883, Mr. French delivered the oration, by request of the
^IV^-^\N\,
ATtAM
TWf NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIB'RARY
ASTC*/^., LEHOX ANC
T 1 LBS N FOU N D ATIO >f .><
9
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 269
Committee of Arrangements, this being one of dozens of other orations
and speeches made by him on similar occasions.
J. GAY, Sr., was born in Ohio, in 1812, and is the son
of William and Mary A. (Hayes) Gay, who came to this township in
1831, and here ended their days. Mr. Gay came here with his parents
and remained on the home farm until his marriage, in Tippecanoe County,
to Miss Elizabeth Becker, daughter of John Becker, a native of North
Carolina, and a pioneer of Tippecanoe. Since his marriage, Mr, Gay has
lived on his present farm on Section 29, this township. He has here 390
acres, of which 250 are under cultivation; he is also owner of seventy
acres in Carroll County, Ind. Mr. Gay has served his townsmen as
Trustee three terms, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. Their children are ten in number — William H., Ansolina,
Elmina, Eliza J., Alvin, Sarah A., Charles A., Keziah, Milton and
John B.
FRED GEYER was born in Morgan County, Ohio, in December,
1837, and is the son of Jacob F. and Elizabeth Geyer, natives of Ger-
many and early settlers of Morgan County, whence they moved to Hock-
ing County, Ohio, and then to this State, in 1862. Here the mother
died, but the father is still living. Fred Geyer was reared to farming
and worked for this father until of age. In 1860, he married Miss Bar-
bara, daughter of John A. and Barbara Stimer, and a native of Morgan
County, and to this union have been born four children — Tazewell J.,
George U.. Emma J., and Ora A. For about ten years, Mr. and Mrs.
Geyer resided in Tippecanoe County, then came to this township and
purchased eighty acres on Section 7, which he has since impToved greatly.
Both Mr. and Mrs. G. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HENRY F. HAGERTY is a native of Tippecanoe County, Ind.,
and is a son of David and Margaret Hagerty. At the age of nineteen,
he enlisted, in 1862, in the Tenth Battery Indiana Light Artillery,
and took part in the battles of Stone River, Munfordsville, Perryville,
Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Dandridge (East Ten-
nessee), Decatur and others. At Chattanooga, he was wounded in the
side by a piece of a shell. He served three years, and was discharged at
Indianapolis. November 2d, 1868, he married Miss Mary J. House, a
native of Indiana, and daughter of Joel House. This lady died Decem-
ber 17, 1872, the mother of two children — Clara and Lula (deceased).
He was next married to Miss Sarah E. Hill, daughter of James Hill, and
a native of Indiana, and to this marriage four children have been born —
James, Nellie, Harry and Elmer. In 1875, Mr. Hagerty moved on his
present farm of 120 acres, on Section 8, this township, where he has ever
since lived.
270 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
SPENCER C. HART is a native of New Jersey, and is the third
of the nine children born to William C. and Sarah (Grant) Hart, who
emigrated to Greene County, Ohio, in 1839, and there died. Spencer
learned coopering when young, but never followed the trade. At the
age of nineteen, he went with his parents to Ohio, where, in 1854, he
married Miss Catherine, daughter of John and Sarah (Darr) Stine, natives
of Pennsylvania. For a short time, Mr. Hart farmed on rented land,
and then purchased 173 acres in Ohio, on which he resided until 1863,
when he purchased 253 acres of prairie land in this township, on which
he has ever since lived. He raises about 4,000 bushels of corn a year,
600 to 700 bushels of wheat, and considerable crops of oats and hay ;
also thirty-five to forty head of cattle, thirty-five to forty hogs, and eight
to ten horses. His children are five in number, and are named Sarah,
Rufus R., Lee S., Hollie and William N.
T. S. HAYES was born in Kinderhook, N. Y., in 1835, and is the
son of Hiram and Mary (Lee) Hayes, who were of English birth, but
came to America when children, and died in Columbia County, N. Y.
T. S. Hayes passed his boyhood in Canaan, N. Y., where he attended the
common schools, and then the high school at Canaan Center. He began
merchandising at the latter place while yet a young man, and there mar-
ried Adelia, daughter of William P. Stickle, a farmer and stock dealer of
Hillsdale. Mr. Hayes also went into the commission business at Hills-
dale, but, in 1878, came to Brookston and established his present busi-
ness. He is owner of the Lower Elevator, and handles all kinds of
grain, hay and live stock, and has also a steam corn sheller and wagon
scales in connection with his elevator and office, where he pays the high-
est market price for grain. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes are members of the
Baptist Church, and the parents of three children — Lillian A., William
H. and Dolly.
T. HEAD was born in Rush County, Ind., in 1833, and is the son
of Simon C. and Malinda (Poage) Head — the former a native of New
Hampshire, and born in 1801, and the latter of Kentucky, and born in
1807. Until fourteen years of age, our subject worked on the home farm,
and attended school, and since then he has been chiefly in the dry goods
business. In 1855, at Homer, Champaign Co., 111., he married Miss
Kate Warner, daughter of Joseph Warner, a farmer and a native of Ohio.
Mr. Head pursued his calling as dealer in dry goods in Champaign City
and Homer, and then came to Marshall County, Ind., where he engaged
in the lumber business for twenty months, and next, in the spring of
1861, resumed the dry goods business at Zionsville, and in 1863 at Battle
Ground, and then farmed for two years; in October, 1876, he came to
Brookston, where he now carries a general assortment of merchandise,
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 271
boots, shoes, notions, groceries, etc., etc., valued at $30,000. Mr. Head
is a Freemason, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.
Of their eleven children, the living are named — Charlie E., 011a, Cora,
Jessie, Orin, Ada, Pearl, Roy, Uhl T. ; the deceased were named Otis
and Effie.
A. HILDEBRANDT is a native of Germany, and came to America
May 3, 1855, landing in New York, thence moving to Tippecanoe County,
this State, and then coming td this township, where he purchased 220
acres of land, which he has increased to 300 acres. He rears from fifty
to sixty head of cattle, seventy-five to eighty hogs, and twelve to fourteen
horses annually, and raises about seventy-five tons of hay, and from 3,000
to 4,000 bushels of corn; in 1881, he raised 700 bushels of wheat. He
was married, in La Fayette to Miss Catherine Myers, a native of
Germany, who has borne him eight children — Henry, Mary, Augustus,
Annie, Amelia, Eda, George (deceased) and Kate (deceased). Mr. Hil-
debrandt has earned all his property by his own industry and good man-
agement, and has surrounded himself with every comfort tending to make
farm life enjoyable.
N. HORNBECK was born in the State of Ohio, and in 1837, at
the age of twelve years, came to White County with his parents, Adam
and Margaret (Dungan) Hornbeck. He availed himself of the ordinary
advantages aiForded by the pioneer school, and then worked on his own
account seven or eight years, acquiring about 200 acres of land. In 1853,
he married Mrs. Phebe Coil, daughter of William Little, and a native of
Miami County. Ohio ; to this union have been born four children —
Thomas K. (deceased), Frank (deceased) and Fannie (twins) and Addie.
Mr. Hornbeck has added to his land until he is now possessor of about
577 acres, improved with every convenience and comfort. He handles
from fifty to sixty head of cattle annually, 100 to 125 head of sheep, 130
to 140 hogs, and twelve to fifteen horses. He has served his fellow-citi-
zens in the capacity of County Commissioner three years, and also for
three years as Township Trustee, and in both positions have given the
most complete satisfaction to his constituents.
F. T. HORNBECK, a son of Adam and Margaret Hornbeck, was
born on the same farm he now occupies in this township, and was here
reared and educated. November 7, 1866, he married Miss Mary J. Coil,
a native of Carroll County, Ind., and daughter of Robert Coil, a farmer,
Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the United Brethren Church, and they
have had born to them four children, named Maggie P., Robert C, Lora
B. and Laura B. Mr. Hornbeck ig the owner of a fine farm of 180 acres,
and rears and deals in cattle, hogs and sheep, besides raising considerable
wheat and corn, but more of the latter than of the former.
272 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
FREDERICK JENNING was born in Saxony, Germany, August
23, 1835, and is the son of Godfrey Jenning, a carpenter. Frederick
went to school in Germany between the ages of seven and fourteen, and
was then apprenticed to carpentering for three years, two of which he
served and then came to America, landing at New York October 24,
1854, and beginning work at Buffalo ; he then worked at Plymouth,^
Mich., and various other places, and May 15, 1856, located at Brookston,
where he worked as carpenter for the New Albany and Salem Railroad
for three years, and then enlisted, August 15, 1862, in Company F,
Ninety-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served three years, lacking
two months, being mustered out at Washington and discharged at Indi-
anapolis. His only injury was by a spent ball, in one of the many actions
in which he took part, among them being the following : Atlanta, Vicks-
burg, Jackson, Miss., Mission Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, and others,
making in all fifteen. September 14, 1865, he married Miss Caroline
Cotenenhan, a native of Boone County, Ind., and to this union have been
born four children. Mr. Jenning owns three lots in Brookston, on which
are two dwellings, besides two outlets ; also, thirty acres of adjacent hmd,
on which his fine, frame dwelling stands. He is an Odd Fellow, and his
wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
THOMAS KENNEDY was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in
1831, and is the eldest of the three children born to William and Maria
(Montgomery) Kennedy, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Vir-
ginia. The family came to this county in 1833, where they underwent
all the privations of the settler's life, and cleared up the farm on which
they ended their days. Thomas Kennedy remained on the home
farm until his marriage, in 1858, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Samuel
Bushong. He had owed 99 acres of land before his marriage, which he
sold, and in 1861 bought 114 acres of his present farm, which he has
since increased to 280 acres, all finely improved. He raises over 2,000
bushels of corn per year, 200 to 400 bushels of wheat, 40 head of cattle,
30 to 40 hogs, 10 to 12 horses, and 20 to 30 sheep. Mr. Kennedy is a
Freemason, and his wife, until her death in October, 1881, was a member
of the M. E. Church. Their six children were named as follows : John
C, William S., Jacob B., Thomas J., Mary E. and Martha J.
W. R. KIOUS was born in . Montgomery County, Ind., August 4,
1844, and is the son of Absalom and Mary Kious, who were among the
pioneers of Montgomery, and who, in 1859, came to White County,
where the father died. The mother still survives, at the age of seventy
four, and resides with her son, W. R.. Her father was a soldier in the
Revolution, and served seven years. W. R. Kious assisted on the home
farm until September 19, 1869, when he was married, in Clinton County,
PRAIRIK TOWNSHIP. 273
to Miss Katie Fowler, daughter of W. A. Fowler, and an ative of this
State. For a short time after marriage, Mr. K. farmed on rented land,
and then purchased 130 acres of his present farm on Section 16, this
township. Here his wife died, leaving three children — Lillie
M., Almira and Katie. In December, 1875, Mr. K. married Miss
Elizabeth J., daughter of Jacob W. Ridgeway, and a native of Virginia,
and to this marriage was born one child, Marton, now deceased. Mr. K.
has added ninety acres to his farm, which now comprises 220 acres, is
highly improved, and contains two miles of hedge fence. Both Mr. and
Mrs. K. are members of the M. E. Church.
RICHARD KOLB was born in Rush County, Ind., in 1840, and
is the son of William and Keziah Kolb, natives of Georgia and North
Carolina, pioneers of Fayette County, this State, and now residents of
Benton County. Richard passed his boyhood years in Benton County,
and, at the early age of nineteen, enlisted in Company E, Fortieth Indi-
ana Volunteer Infantry, and served three years and eight months.
Among other battles, he took part at Shiloh, Stone River, Mission Ridge
and Kenesaw Mountain. He was wounded both at Mission and Kene-
saw, at the latter quite seriously. For six weeks he lay in the hospital,
and was absent from his regiment nearly six months, owing to his disa-
bility — most of the time at home on leave of absence. In March, 1864,
he was married, in Benton County, to Miss Huldah Kiger, a native of
Wabash County, Ind., and daughter of Jacob N. Kiger. She died in
1868, and January 13, 1873, he married, in Fountain County, Ind.,
Miss Sabra Penner, daughter of William Penner. In 1874, he settled
on 160 acres in this township, but subsequently sold. He is the father
of five children — Arta M., Ada M., Viola, Lottie G. and Annie J., and
at present is Township Road Commissioner.
J. S. McLEAN was born in the State of Ohio, September 3, 1818,
and is the son of Alexander and Jane (Stone) McLean. J. S. McLean
passed his boyhood in his native county, until eighteen years old, when
he left the home farm and learned the tanner's trade. In 1850, he and
his father came to Tippecanoe County, this State, started a tan yard at
Battle Ground and ran it about five years. He was first married in
Prairie Township, to Miss Martha J. Lafferty, a native of Ohio, but an
orphan reared by John Barr. For two years, Mr, McLean taught school,
and then for two years kept grocery at Springboro. His wife died,
when he sold out and broke up housekeeping and for six years taught
school at Hickory Ridge. He was next married, in 1854, to Miss Nancy,
Matthews, who soon after died. He taught school again at Tolleston, for
about six years, and March 5, 1863, married Miss Mary Lear, a native
of Virginia. About 1867, he purchased forty acres of land in this town-
274 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ship, on Section 26, to "which he has since added eighty acres, on which
he has a fine hedge 140 rods long. He has five children — J. A., by his
first marriage ; Sylvia, by his second ; Alfred A., Eva and Edwin R,,
by his last marriage.
W. A. McCLEAN was born in the State of Ohio, October 23, 1825,
and is a son of Alexander and Jane (Stone) McClean. At the age of ten,
he was brought to Tippecanoe County, this State, where he learned the
tanner's trade, which he followed about five years. In the spring of 1865,
he came to his farm on Section 30, this township, and November 9, 1865,
at Monticello, married Mrs. Helen M. Reed, daughter of John Compton
and a native of Ohio. This lady died October 18, 1876, leaving two
children — Archibald and Mary B., who are now residing with their
father on the homestead, which comprises 200 acres, lacking eight rods,
of fine land, improved with substantial farm buildings. For four terms,
of three months each, Mr. McClean taught school, and he is a gentle-
man well informed on all current topics.
E. P. MASON & SONS conduct a general store at Brookston and
carry an extensive stock of dry goods, groceries, agricultural imple-
ments, hardware, etc., valued at from |8,000 to $10,000. E. P. Mason,
is a native of Rutland, Vt., and came to Delphi, Ind., in 1837; remained
about three years, and then went to farming near La Fayette; in 1840,
he moved to town and kept hotel three years, and then a livery stable six
years ; he then conducted a foundry business at Pittsburg, Carroll
County, until 1855, when he came to Brookston and entered upon his
present enterprise, the second of the kind in the place, his brother-in-law,
T. B. Davis, having preceded him one year. His sons have been asso-
ciated with him since 1878, and it is said that the firm carry the largest
and best assorted stock in town. Mr. Mason was first married in Gen-
esee County, N. Y., to Miss Adeline Colton, 'who died at La Fayette
in 1842 ; his second marriage took place in La Fayette, to Miss Elizabeth
Huntsingtr, a daughter of John Huntsinger, and to this union have
been born three boys and three girls. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mason are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
EDWARD MA LTD, deceased, was a native of England, born in
1824, and was the son of John Maud, who was largely interested in stone
quarries. Edward received a fair education and was brought up to farm
labor. He was married in England to Jane Waring, and he and wife
came to this country in 1856, and for two or three years lived in Phil-
adelphia. They made several changes of residence, and finally settled
in this township in 1870. Here Mr. Maud ended his days in 1871, a
member of the English Church. His widow continues to farm the 160
acres of fine prairie land on Section 23.
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 275
DR. A. p. MENDENHALL,a native of Montgomery County, Ind.,
was born May 7, 1839, and is the fifth of the nine children born to David
and Mary A. (Perkins) Mendenhall, who were natives of North Carolina
and Ohio respectively. The father, who was a farmer, died in Illinois
about January, 1881, but the mother is still living in the said State, in
comparatively good health at the age of seventy-three. When about seven
years of age, our subject was removed by his parents to the Wea Plains,
where he attended the Farmers' Institute, and some four or five years
later was taken to Osawatomie, Kan., where he resided four years, attend-
ing school in a private family, there being no schoolhouse within fifty
miles ; he was then taken to Vermillion County, 111., where he attended
the Vermillion Seminary four or five years ; thence he moved to Iroquois,
111., taught school for six winters, and began the study of medicine ; in
1870 and 1871, first attended lectures at the Rush Medical College at
Chicago, and ,then came to Brookston, spent the summer in study, and
then returned to Chicago, but arrived the night of the great fire, which
swept away the college, causing him to seek the Cincinnati Medical Col-
lege, from which he graduated in March, 1873, and came back to Brooks-
ton, where he has ever since been engaged in successful practice. Janu-
ary 1, 1876, he married Miss Alice, daughter of James C. and Clarinda
Gress. Mrs. Mendenhall became the mother of two children — Nella and
C. Alice— and died July 21, 1878.
F. P. MILLS was born in York State, and is a son of Henry Mills.
His early life was passed in Ohio, where he was educated at Hudson Col-
lege, fourteen miles from Cleveland, and where, also, he married Miss
Mary, a daughter of Christian Weltz, and a native of Ohio, who died in
1868, the mother of two children — Francis (now Superintendent of the
Youngstown Iron Mining Company) and Mary. He next married Miss
Sarah J., daughter of John Hay. This lady has borne him four children,
viz., George H., Henry H., John H. and William H. Mr. Mills waa
engaged for twenty-two years in mining in the upper portion of the
Michigan peninsula, chiefly handling magnetic ores. He was Superin-
tendent for the Cleveland Iron Mining Company, and had at first about
100 men under his supervision ; but the business so increased that he
eventually had over 800 men under his management. While thus engaged,
he accumulated what is probably the largest and most valuable collection
of specimens of iron and other metals held b}' any private individual out-
side of the large cities. In the fall of 1879, he came to his present farm
of 500 acres, which is improved with a fine frame dwelling and all other
needed buildings, and ornamented with five miles of hedges.
K. J. MILLS was born in the State of New York, and is the young-
est of the eleven children born to Henry and Maria (Purdy) Mills, also
276 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
natives of New York. K. J. Mills was but four years of age when he
was removed by his parents to Ohio, in which State his father died ; in
that State, also, Mr. Mills married Miss Caroline, daughter of Samuel
Henline, a farmer, stock-dealer and pioneer of Ohio. For two years
after his marriage, Mr. Mills farmed on rented land, and then bought 100
acres, which he occupied six years ; then came to this township in 1860,
where he now owns an interest in and controls 500 acres. He rears
about fifty head of cattle, fifty head of hogs and about fifteen horses per
annum, and from 1,200 to 1,-500 bushels of wheat. Since coming to this
county, his mother has died, and his family now consists of himself and
wife and seven children, viz., Mary, Samuel, Caroline, David, Lucretia,
Loretta and John. Two other children — Susan and Alice — are deceased.
J. C. MOORE was born in Harrison County, Ky., July 8, 1814,
and is the son of James H. and Mary (Campbell) Moore, natives respect-
ively of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and pioneers of Wayne County, Ind.,
in about 1818 ; in 1832, they came to this township. J. C. Moore being
naturally a mechanical genius, his services were always in demand during
his early manhood. He assisted in erecting the second building in
Monticello, and also in putting up the first court house. His neighbors, far
and near, would come to the home farm and fill his place at the plow or
at other work, while he did their repairing or made new implements. He
thus followed farming and mechanics for fifteen years, but now devotes
his exclusive time to inventions. He first invented a hay and straw
stacker, then a lifting machine for loading and unloading cars and vessels ;
a steam ditcher and grader, and many other useful machines. January
25, 1837, he married, in Tippecanoe County, Miss Elizabeth Fierce, who
died in 1866, the mother of ten children — Martha J., Nancy E., Eliza-
beth F., Mary A. (deceased), Maria E., William R., Harriet L., John W.,
Rhodie, and James C. (deceased). In 1869, he married Mrs. Elizabeth
Hughes, a native of Darke County, Ohio, who has borne him two chil-
dren — Edgar C. and Eva K. Mr. Moore is the owner of 1,000 acres of
land, of which 460 are in this county and the balance in Missouri.
J. H. MOORE is a native of Henry County, Ind., and is a son of
Philip and Julia A. Moore, natives of North Carolina, and pioneers of
Henry County, where they died. J. H. Moore was married, December
22, 1861, to Miss Emily L. Lamb, a native of Wayne County, Ind., and
daughter of Thomas Lamb, a farmer. For two years after marriage,
Mr. Moore lived on rented land, then purchased eighty acres in Howard
County, Ind., which he farmed a year : then, in 1865, came to his present
place in this township, which he purchased in partnership with his
brother, Miles M. Moore, and which then comprised 265 acres ; it was
later increased to 365 acres, and in 1874 Mr. Moore bought out his
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 277
brother's interest. He handles from twenty to thirty head of cattle a
year, seventy-five to 100 hogs, forty to fifty sheep, and about twelve
horses. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are members of the United Brethren
Church, and are the parents of two children — Mary L. and Ilattie E.
JERRY MURPHY is a native of Ireland, and is the son of Dennis
and Mary Murphy, who came to America when Jerry was about eight
years old, and settled in Delaware about 1858, in which State the father
died ; the mother died in this State. Jerry became a resident of In-
diana in 1854. In 1862, he bought eighty acres of his present farm,
and in 1866 he was married, in Tippecanoe County, to Miss Harrietta
Mclntyre, a native of Indiana, and daughter of Benjamin Mclntyre,
who was in early life a physician, but who later cleared up a farm in
Tippecanoe County, where he died in 1854. Immediately after mar-
riage, Mr. and Mrs. M. moved upon his farm in Section 18, this town-
ship, which he has increased to 300 acres. He raises about 2,500 bushels
of corn per year, 700 to 800 bushels of wheat, some oats, seventy-five tons
of hay, about seventy-five head of cattle, seventy-five to eighty hogs, and
about thirteen horses. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and
an Odd Fellow, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Their three children are named Hattie M. 0., Charles D. and Edward.
JOHN PARRISH is a native of Ross County, Ohio, and the son
of Henry and Eliza (Harvey) Parrish, who were pioneers of Tippecanoe
County, Ind., having settled there in 1831, when John was in his fourth
year. There the latter was reared to farming, and received his educa-
tion, and there he wa3 married to Miss Rebecca Godman, daughter of
Richard Godman, farmer. In the spring of 1851, Mr. Parrish came to
this township and engaged in farming, and at present owns 400 acres, all
prairie, with the exception of fifteen acres ; he owns, besides, the largest
steam elevator in Brookston, and buys all kinds of grain at the highest
market price; he has a neat office connected with a wagon scale and a
steam corn sheller in the elevator, and, in addition to his grain business,
acts as agent for the sale of agricultural implements. Mr. Parrish has
served the county as Commissioner for six years, and has given satisfac-
tion to all parties. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and they have two children living — Martha J. and Elizabeth.
A. L. PATTERSON was born in Kentucky December 19, 1815,
and is the son of Thomas and Lucy (DeWitt) Patterson, of Irish and
French descent. They were among the pioneers of Cass County, Ind..
in 1833, and there they died. Until twenty years old, A. L. Patterson
assisted on his father's farm and attended school, and then began learn-
ing the millwright's trade, working in the summer and teaching in the
winter for five years. November 26, 1840, in Tippecanoe County, he
278 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
married Mrs. Clementine Harvey, a native of Virginia ; he served in the
State Legislature two terms, 1849, 1850 and 1851, and was engaged in
farming in Tippecanoe until 1866, when he came to Brookston and fol-
lowed his trade ; farmed and conducted a nursery in a small way, and in
the spring of 1882 was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he still
holds ; he has also been a Notary Public of Prairie Township for four-
teen years; he had also served as Justice of the Peace in Tippecanoe
County, as Township Trustee and Treasurer of the Board, His first
wife having died, he was married, in 1850, to Mrs. Elizabeth Layne.
This lady also died, and January 23, 1873, he married Mrs. Mary
French. There were born to him, by his first wife, four children — Lucy
J., Nancy A., William and Morinsa ; his second wife had no children;
his present wife has borne him two — Mattie A. and Minnie A. He is
the owner of two good town lots, on one of which is his very pleasant
residence.
S. H. POWELL is a native of Kentucky, and is the son of Thomas
S. Powell, a farmer (now deceased), and to farming S. H. Powell was
also reared. In 1854, he came to this township and farmed until 1867,
when he opened his present general store in Brookston, where he has a
pleasant central location, and carries a stock valued at between $4,000
and $5,000. September 9, 1852, he married, in Tippecanoe County,
Ind., Miss Dorcas A. Stewart, daughter of John Stewart, farmer. Mr.
and Mrs. Powell are both members of the Baptist Church, and their
only living child, Ellen, makes her home with her parents.
JOHN PRICE (deceased) was born in Fayette County, Ohio, Febru-
ary 13, 1810, and was the only son in a family of seven children born to
John and Sarah (Smalley) Price, natives of Pennsylvania and of English
descent. John Price, Sr., was employed at his trade of blacksmith in
the army during the war of 1812, he being an enlisted man. He was
married in Pennsylvania, and soon after removed to Fayette County, Ohio,
where he died. John Price, Jr., lost his parents when he was but a mere
lad, and from the age of ten until twenty his home was among strangers.
He was married, December 24, 1829, to Susanna Kent, who was born
near Dayton, Ohio, May 31, 1814. Her parents were James and Cathe-
rine (Hawk) Kent, who were natives of New Jersey, and of English and
Irish descent. In 1835, Mr. Price and family, accompanied by James
Kent and family, came to this township, where he remained a year and
then moved to Jasper County, where the Indians were about his only
neighbors. These savages became so troublesome that, at the end of two
years, Mr. Price abandoned his claim and came back to White County
and entered about 1,200 acres in Prairie and Big Creek Townships. This
land he improved and resided upon until his death, January 12, 1852.
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 279
When Mr. Price came to this county, his possessions consisted of a team
of horses, a wagon he had himself made, and 25 cents in cash, but by in-
dustry and good management ho acquired a comfortable fortune. His
widow is still living with a daughter on part of the old homestead.
OSCAR K. RAINIER was born in Randolph County, Ind., Feb-
ruary 28, 1850, and is the second of the three children born to John F.
and Virinda (Neal) Rainier. He was fairly educated when young, and
worked on the home farm until twenty years of age, when he and a
brother bought a farm of eighty acres in this township, Avhich, with other
lands he rented, he farmed for two years. He then sold his interest and
purchased his present farm on Section 2, on which he has recently erected
one of the best residences in the township. He was married, April 4,
1872, to Rachel R. Price, a native of White County, and daughter of
John and Susanna (Kent) Price, and to this union have been born three
children — John F., Scott C. and Susanna M. Mr, Rainer is a Demo-
crat in politics, and is looked upon as an enterprising and rising young
farmer.
WILSON SHIGLEY was born in Greene County, Ohio, June 22,
1823, and is the third of the ten children of John and Annie Shigley,
natives respectively of Virginia and Ohio. In 1826, the family came to
Tippecanoe County, this State, and there Wilson was reared on the home
farm, caring for his parents in their age and remaining with them
until their death. He was married, in this county, to Lucy E. Steward,
daughter of Hiram Steward, a farmer ; for two years kept house in the
village of Chauncy, and then moved upon his present farm of 180 acres
in 1865 ; he has put forty acres under cultivation, and chiefly raises corn.
He keeps from eight to ten horses and from twenty to thirty hogs. His
children are three in number, and are named Henry M., Myrtle and
Nellie M.
T. W. SLEETH was born in Greene County, Ohio, and is the son
of Alvin and Eliza (Forker) Sleeth, who came to White County in 1841.
Here the father died in 1846 ; the mother still survives him. T. W,
Sleeth was but one year of age when brought to this county, and here he
has lived ever since on Section 29. The homestead comprises 200 acres,
belonging to Mr. Sleeth, his mother and brother, but outside of his in-
heritance he owns forty acres ; he deals in cattle and hogs, and is engaged
in general farming. In 1874, he married Miss Susanna J. Barr, daugh-
ter of Cyrus and Margaret Barr, natives of Ohio, who came here in 1830.
In June, 1876, Mrs. Sleeth died, and Mr. S. remains a widower. Mr.
Sleeth answered to his country's call during the late war, and for three
years served in Company A, Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
W. H. SLEETH was born in this township May 20, 1843, and is
280 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
a son of Alvin and Eliza A. Sleeth. He was reared a farmer, and was
educated at the district schools. He was married, in Mahaska County,
Iowa, to Miss Mary M, Barr, a daughter of Alfred Barr, and a native of
this township. Her grandfather was one of the pioneers of the county,
and donated the land on which the county seat is located. For three
years, Mr. and Mrs. Sleeth lived in Mahaska County, Iowa, but since
then have resided on their homestead on Section 24, this township.
They are the parents of two children — Charlie M. and Laura M. In
1862, Mr. Sleeth enlisted in Company D, Twelfth Indiana Volunteer
Infantry, and served principally under Sherman and Logan. At the
battle of Richmond, Ky., he was taken prisoner, but was paroled three
days later and was soon exchanged. He took part in the siege of Vicks-
burg, the fight at Jackson, Miss., at Mission Ridge, the siege of Knox-
ville, Tenn., and the battle of Resaca, where he was wounded. He lay
in the hospital thirteen months, and was honorably discharged July 7,
1865.
BENTON THOMPSON is a native of Hancock County, 111., and
is the fifth of the eight children born to Alman and Isabella Thompson.
The father was a physician, but resided on a farm, which was conducted
by his sons. On this farm, Benton labored until he reached manhood,
attending to his education in the meantime. For several terms, he taught
school, and in 1874 began clerking in the drug' store of George Patton,
at Brookston. In April, 1875, Mr. Patton sold and Mr. Thompson
remained with the purchasers. In September, 1875, Mr. Patton bought
back, and the firm of Patton & Thompson was established, and was con-
tinued until April, 1879, when a sale of the stock was made, Mr. Thomp-
son remaining as clerk for the purchasers. July 8, 1881, Mr. Thompson
became sole proprietor of the establishment, and he now carries a stock
valued at over $2,500, and is doing a lucrative trade, his location being
a desirable one for business, and his reputation as a druggist and gentle-
man an enviable one.
ISAAC WILSON was a native of Indiana, and was born in 1831.
His father, Isaac Wilson, Sr., was a native of Virginia, and was one of
the pioneers of this State. Our subject was reared to farming, and was
educated at the frontier school of his early day. In 1860, in Iowa, he
married Miss Catherine Maxwell, a native of Indiana, and a daughter
of James and Sarah Maxwell, who were farming people and early settlers
of Ohio. In 1833, they came to Indiana, and afterward moved to Iowa,
where they ended their lives. January 17, 1880, our subject departed
this life, at his home in this township, on Section 17. His widow still
resides on the farm, which is one of the finest in the township. It com-
prises 300 acres, is well cultivated, and is adorned with two and one-half
HONEY CREEK TOWNSHir. 281
miles of hedge. Mrs. Wilson has borne her husband seven children —
Anna, William (deceased), James (deceased), Herbert, Charles, Rose and
Harry.
HONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP.
JOHN A. BATSON was born in Berrien County, Mich., August
31, 1842. He came to White County in 1875, and engaged in the drug
business at Reynolds until September, 1882, when he sold out to John
Brucker. During this time, he spent his leisure hours in the study of
law, and was admitted to the bar of White County in November, 1878,
since when he has been engaged in practice. His preparatory course
was gained through self-instruction, he having begun with Webster's
Elementary Spelling Book, and advancing to Arnold's Latin Dictionary;
the fixed sciences received due attention, and he also became a proficient
in music, for seven years giving lessons on the piano and organ. Septem-
ber 13, 1872, he was married to Marion H. Beam, a native of Michigan,
and daughter of John Q. Beam, now one of the Commissioners of White
County, and to this union one son and one daughter have been born. In
politics, Mr. Batson is independent, but was formerly identified with the
Republican party, and for over three years was Postmaster at Reynolds.
He is at present Clerk of the Board of Town Trustees, and also a mem-
ber of Niles Commandery, K. T., No. 12, of Niles, Mich.
JOHN Q. BEAM was born in Frederick County, Md., August 6,
1824, and is the seventh of the ten children born to John and Nancy
(Zimmerman) Beam, the former a native of Germany and the latter of
Maryland. John Beam, who was born in 1787, came with his parents
to the United States when he was but eight years of age, settled in Mary-
land, there learned the miller's trade, and there married, and in 1832
moved to what is now Wyandot County, Ohio, where he followed his trade
until the spring of 1853, when he moved to St. Joseph County, Mich.,
where he died in June, 1856. John Q, Beam was reared a miller, but at
the age of fifteen began working by the month at farm labor, which he
continued in Ohio and Michigan until 1847, when he went to work in a
distillery at Flowerfield, St. Joseph County, Mich., in 1854, became a
partner, and sole proprietor in 1861. In 1849, he bought a farm in
Kalamazoo County, Mich., and in connection with his stilling conducted
farming until 1862 or 1863. From 1863 to 1874, he devoted his entire
attention to farming and stock -shipping, and in the last named year came
to Reynolds and bought the flouring mill, which is now doing an excellent
business. July 2, 1847, he married Hannah M. Wheeler, a native of
282 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Hartford, Conn., who has borne him one daughter — Marion H., now Mrs.
John A. Batson. Mr. Beam served as Highway Commissioner for six
years in St. Joseph County, Mich., and was also elected Justice of the
Peace, but refused to qualify ; in 1880, he was elected one of the Com-
missioners of this county, which office he still holds. At present he is
identified with the National Greenback party.
ISAAC BEASEY, Jr., was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., Jan-
uary 19, 1827, and is the sixth of the sixteen children born to Isaac
and Nancy (Penny) Beasey, natives respectively of the Eastern shore of
Maryland and of Johnson County, Ohio. Isaac Beasey, Sr., was mar-
ried in Johnson County, Ohio, where he farmed in shares several years ;
in about 1824, he moved to Bartholomew County, and in the fall of 1837
came to Big Creek Township, this county, where he entered
eighty acres, and also eighty acres in this township ; in 1852,
he moved to Monticello, and engaged in teaming for about five
years. He then bought a farm lying partly in White and
partly in Pulaski County, where, on the morning of April 15, 1869,
as he was driving from his pasture some of a neighbor's trespassing cat-
tle, he was shot dead by their owner, Philip Reeder, who was sentenced
to the penitentiary for life for the crime. Mrs. Beasey died
in White County in 1853. Isaac Beasey remained on the home
farm until twenty-two years of age ; then farmed on shares in Big
Creek Township, this county, about six years, and then came to this
township and farmed on the same terms five years. In the fall of 1864,
he bought forty acres in Honey Creek, on which he still resides. July
2, 1861, he married Mary J. Reeves, a native of Carroll County, Ind.,
who has borne him five children — Samuel M. and Catherine M. Mrs.
Beasey died October 10, 1880, a strict member of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church ; Mr. Beasey is also a member of the same, and in politics is
a Democrat.
JOHN BRUCKER was born in Wittenburg, Germany, November
23, 1850, and is the second of the seven children born to Jacob F. and
Caroline (Keller) Brucker. The father was a wagon-maker, and in the
spring of 1853 brought his family to the United States, settling first in
Logan, Hocking County, Ohio, where he followed his trade until 1866,
when he came to La Fayette, Tippecanoe County, Ind., where he remained
one year. In 1867, he came to Reynolds, this township, where he pur-
sued his calling until 1873, when he engaged in the lumber business.
He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. John Brucker re-
ceived a very fair education in his youth, and was then taught wagon-
making, which trade he followed until twenty-four years old, when he
opened a blacksmith shop at Reynolds, and conducted it for eight years.
HONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP. 283
He next bought a drug store at the same place, which he still carries on
■with eminent success. November 24, 1873, he married Rebecca Ridge-
way, a native of Virginia, who has borne him three children. In politics,
Mr. Brucker is a Democrat, and for two years was Township Trustee,
three years Treasurer of the School Board at Reynolds, and is now a
member of the Board of Town Trustees.
NATHANIEL BUNNELL, Jr., was born in Ross County, Ohio,
December 27, 1805, and is the fourth of the twelve children born to
Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Donaven) Bunnell, natives respectively of New
Jersey and Kentucky. Nathaniel, Sr., was born in June, 1778, went to
Kentucky at the age of ten, and was there reared and there married.
When a young man, he and others navigated a pirogue of goods from
from Marysville to Chillicothe, which was the first boat load of mer-
chandise ever landed at that point. About 1800, he moved from Ken-
tucky to Highland County, Ohio, then to Ross County, then to Warren
County, then to Clark County, Ohio, and next, in the fall of 1833, to Big
Creek Township, this county, and here he died in 1850. He had
been a soldier in the war of 1812 ; was a life-long" member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, and for many years an exhorter. Nathaniel
Bunnell, Jr., received only a frontier education, and was employed on
the home farm until his majority ; he then worked out for about five
years, then farmed his father's place on shares several years, and in 1833
came to Big Creek Township, and entered 160 acres, which he increased
to 600, a part of which he subsequently deeded to his children,
retaining 360 acres. In 1867, he relinquished work, and came to Rey-
nolds, where he resides in retirement. December 29, 1831, he married
Susanna Runnyon, a native of Clark County, Ohio, who bore him ten chil-
dren, all of whom are living, excepting Nathaniel W., who fell at Gettys-
burg, leaving a widow and three children. Mrs. Susanna Bunnell died in
June, 1873, an active member, from girlhood, of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. August 25, 1875, Mr. Bunnell married Mrs. Mary A. (Bartlett-
Buchanan) McNealey, a native of Kentucky. Mr. B. was once Trustee of
Big Creek Township ; he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church over fifty-one years, had four sons in the late war, is a Repub-
lican and a zealous temperance man.
B. BUNNELL was born in Ross County, Ohio, April 2, 1807,
and is the fifth of the twelve children born to Nathaniel and Eliza-
beth (Donaven) Bunnell. He was an infant when his parents moved to
Warren County, Ohio, and in April, 1816, they moved to Clark County,
whore he was employed on the home farm until he was twenty-one, after
which he worked out until October 1, 1834, when he came to Big Creek
Township, this county, and bought 160 acres of wild land, on which he
284 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
built a hewed-log house, and there worked out a farm, which he increased
to 335 acres, a part of which he has since conveyed to his children. He was
married, August 16, 1832, to Sophia Bumgardener, daughter of Andrew
and Felicia (Lynch) Bumgardener, natives of Virginia, and of German
and English descent. She was born in Spring Valley, Ohio, August 23,
1810, and died in this township January 23, 1883, a life-long member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the mother of eight children, of
whom four are still living ; of these, one son — George W. — was a soldier
in the late war for over three years. Mr. and Mrs. Bunnell were among
the ten members who formed the first Methodist Episcopal Church ever
organized in White County, near Big Creek, in the township of that name,
in 1834, under the Rev. Mr. Clark. Mr. Bunnell is a Republican, and
is one of the oldest surviving pioneers of the county.
A. R. BUNNELL was born in Clark County, Ohio, October 16,
1832, and is the eldest of ten children born to Nathaniel (Jr.) and Susanna
(Runnyon) Bunnell. He received the rudiments of an education at the
frontier schoolhouse, and, by subsequent study, improved it to more than
the ordinary limits. At the age of twenty-one, after leaving the home
farm, he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he was engaged, as jour-
neyman, from the spring until the fall of 1856, in Minnesota, when he
returned to Indiana and cast his first vote for Fremont. In the spring
of 1857, he went to St. Joseph, Mo., where he worked at his trade two
years, and then for two years was employed in flat-boating on the Mis-
souri River. In the fall of 1861, he returned to Indiana, and farmed his
father's place on shares until February, 1864, when he enlisted in Com-
pany F, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
During the Atlanta campaign he was taken prisoner, August 16, 1864,
and was confined in the pens of Andersonville, Savannah, Wilbern, Black-
shire, Florence and Libby. From the last prison, he was exchanged in
the spring of 1865, and was mustered out of the service June 9 following.
He again farmed his father's place on shares until the spring of 1868,
when he bought the farm of 110 acres in this township on which he still
resides. December 25, 1862, he married Susan M. Rinker, daughter of
Joshua and Louisa (Reece) Rinker, and a native of White County. The
children born to this marriage are Clark, Frank, Cora arid Ora. Mr.
Bunnell has been a Justice of the Peace for the past three years, and he
and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church..
ROBERT M. DELZELL, M. D., was born in Blount County, Term.,
November 8, 1843, and is the eldest of the eight children born to Will-
iam and Mary J. (McTeer) Delzell, both natives of Tennessee, and of Irish
and Scotch descent. In about 1750, three brothers and a sister — John,
Robert, James and Rosanna Delzell — came to America, two brothers set-
HONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP. 285
tling in Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, and Rosanna and her
brother John in Tennessee, where she married Henry Ferguson, and
from these brothers it is thought all the Delzells in the United States are
descended. William Delzell followed tanning in Tennessee till 1851,
when he moved to Crawford County, 111., entered 120 acres of land, and
there remained until his death, October 9, 1861. Robert M. Delzell re-
ceived a good academical and collegiate education, and at the age of
twenty began to make his own way through the world. In October, 1864,
he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana Vol-
unteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, and was mustered
out at Indianapolis July 14, 1865. In July, 1866, be came to Monti-
cello, this county, and commenced the study of medicine with Dr. W, S.
Haymond. He pursued his studies and taught school alternately until
March, 1869, when he settled in Reynolds and began practice, of which
he has now an extensive share. December 30, 1869, he married Mary
E. Bristow, a native of Parke County, Ind., who has borne him two chil-
dren — Anna L. and Mary E. The Doctor is a Democrat ; was for six
years Township Trustee ; has for several years been Secretary of the School
Board of Reynolds, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
ANSEL Mi DICKINSON-was born in West Fairlee, Vt., January
24, 1815, and is the third of the four children born to Ira and Dollie W.
(Fairbanks) Dickinson, both natives of Massachusetts, and of English
descent. Ira Dickinson was married in his native State, and soon after
removed to Orange County, Vt., and for several years was engaged in
rearing sheep. In 1817, he returned to Massachusetts, and died in
Hampshire County, a member of the Masonic fraternity. Ansel Dick-
inson, when but eighteen months old, lost his mother, and until the age
of seventeen years was reared among strangers. He then learned broom-
making, and followed the trade in Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Illi-
nois, Iowa and Indiana for more than thirty years. In the fall of 1843,
he came to Pittsburgh, Carroll County, this State, and, in the spring fol-
lowing, to this county, where for a number of years he worked at his
trade and farmed on shares. In the spring of 1849, he bought the farm
of 128 acres in this township, where he yet lives. January 28, 1851, he
married Martha Harris, of Illinois, who bore him five children, and died
November 2, 1874. Mr. Dickinson is a Republican, and under the old
Constitution was Trustee of the township one term ; he likewise served as
County Commissioner three terms — from 1860 to 1869. He is also a
member of the Masonic fraternity.
JEREMIAH E. DUNHAM was born in Logansport, Cass Couuty,
Ind., January 16, 1840, and is one of the ten children born to Enoch and
Leonora B. (Selover) Dunham, both natives of Long Branch, N. J.
286 BIOaRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Enoch Dunham was a physician, and soon after his marriage in Long
Branch moved to Ohio, and a short time after to Logansport, where he
followed his profession until his death in 1868. Jeremiah E. Dunham,
at the age of sixteen, began teaching school at Logansport ; from 1861
to 1865, he was agent for the T., P. & W. R. R., at Burnettsville, this
county ; April 14, 1865, he moved to Reynolds, and read law under R.
W. Sill for three years, and was admitted to the bar in January, 1868 ;
in 1869, he took charge of the school at Reynolds, and taught four and a
half years ; one year and a half before leaving the school he started the
White County Register, teaching during the day and setting type at
night ; in October, 1879, he opened a grocery store, and has been doing
a good business ever since; September 4, 1879, he married Mrs. Mary
B. (Brady) Arrick, a native of this county, who has borne him one daugh-
ter — Leonora E. She is also the mother of four children by her former
husband. In politics, Mr. Dunham is a Republican ; was Clerk of the
Board of Trustees for many years and is now Treasurer of said board.
GABRIEL EBERHARD was born in Union County, Penn., May
28, 1815, and is the third of the fourteen children born to Barnet and
Susanna (Henry) Eberhard, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German de-
scent. Barnet Eberhard in early years was a hatter, but later became a
cooper, which trade he ran in connection with farming in Mifflin County,
Penn., where he still lives. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 ; was
married in his native State, and is a member of the Lutheran Church.
Gabriel Eberhard lived with his parents until twenty-one, learning farm-
ing and coopering ; he then farmed on shares in Mifflin County for five
years, when he bought a saw mill, which he ran until 1852 ; he then sold
and moved to Huntingdon County ; a year later, he returned to Mifflin
County and bought a farm, and engaged in making shingles in connection
with farming, until December, 1856, when he came to Union Township,
this county, bought forty acres of land which, in the spring of 1869, he
sold, and came to this township and purchased the eighty acres on which
he now resides. August 28, 1836, he married Anna M. Knepp, of Union
County, Penn., who bore him five children, and died April 7, 1846, a
member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. October 15, 1853, he
married Mrs. Catherine (Yeter) Knepp, a native of Germany, and to this
union have been left four children. Both Mr. and Mrs. Eberhard are
members of the German Baptist Church, and in politics he is a Dem-
ocrat.
ROBISON FLEEGER was born in Juniata County, Penn., Decem-
ber 7, 1829, and is the eldest of the five living children of Michael and
Elizabeth (McCrum) Fleeger, the former a native of South Carolina, and
the latter of Pennsylvania. Michael Fleeger was born in 1795, and is
HONKY CREEK TOWNSHIP. 287
now probably the oldest man in White County. He is a tailor, and was
married in Juniata County, Penn. ; he came to Princeton Township, this
county, in 1852, and worked at his trade until 1879, and then retired to
private life. He served through the war of 1812, and is the only pen-
sioner of that war in the county. His wife died in the fall of 1863, a
member of the Presbyterian Church. Robison Fleeger, from the age of
twelve to twenty, worked out on a farm and then chopped wood, at 40
cents per cord, for three years, in his native State ; then farmed on shares
for two years. In October, 1854, he came to Princeton Township, this
county ; bought 120 acres of unimproved land, and wrought out a farm,
which he still owns. He did a great deal of hunting and trapping, gen-
erally clearing from $400 to |500 during the winter, and he has also
been quite extensively engaged in bee culture, and has amassed a hand-
some property, although he lost $6,000 a few years ago by becoming
surety for a neighbor. October 14, 1851, he married Isabella Logue, a
native Canada, who has borne him five children, three of whom are still
living. In April, 1881, Mr. Fleeger came to Reynolds, where he is now
engaged in the grain and coal trade and in the sale of agricultural im-
plements. In politics, he is a Republican, and for three terms he served
as Trustee of Princeton Township, and is at present Trustee of Honey
Creek.
JOHN HAGEN, was born in Germany January 1, 1830, and
is the youngest of three children born to John and Margaret (Holte)
Hagen. John Hagen, Sr., was a sawyer in the old country ; in 1859,
he came to America and resided with our subject until his death, April
16, 1860. John Hagen, Jr., was employed at farming in Germany un-
til July, 1854, when he and wife came to America, locating first at
Bradford, or Monon, this county, afterward moving to Reynolds. For
the first two years he was employed as a laborer on the N. A. R. R.,
and for the following fifteen years as foreman. In 1870, he bought eighty
acres of wild land in this township, to which he has since added forty
acres and put all in a good state of cultivation. June 7, 1854, he mar-
ried Sophia Schrader, a native of Germany, who has borne him nine chil-
dren, of whom four are yet living — Ernestine J., Eliza M., Emma L.
and Amelia H. In politics, Mr. Hagen is a Democrat, and both he and
wife are members of the Lutheran Church.
GOTTFRIED HEIMLICH was born in Germany January 27,
1825, and is the younger of the two children still living born to Gottlieb
and Susanna Heimlich. The father was a farmer and died in his native
Germany in 1829, a member of the Lutheran Church. Gottfried Heim-
lich attended school from the age of six until fourteen, and then worked
on the home place until twenty-one ; he then, for four years, served in
288 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
the Prussian Army, taking part in the civil war in Baden and Southern
Germany. In 'the early part of 1852, he came to the United States;
stopped at Milwaukee two months, then went to Wanatah, Ind., and
thence came to Reynolds in June of the same year, and worked on the
N. A. & S. R. R. two years, and two years on the P., C. & St. L. R.
R. In January, 1865, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and
Fifty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until mustered out
in the fall of same year. In 1856, he bought forty acres of wild land in
Big Creek Township, which he has since increased to 225 well-improved
acres, extending into Section 33, this township, where his residence now
stands. In the fall of 1853, he married Rosa Languor, a native of Ger-
many, who bore him two children (both now deceased), and died in 1805,
a member of the Lutheran Church. In October, 1856, he married Polly
Quada, a native of Posen, Germany, who bore him twelve children, and
died in April, 1879, a member of the Lutheran Church, of which Mr.
Heimlich is also a member. Of these twelve children, eight are yet
living.
CHARLES HEIMLICH & BRO., at Reynolds, are doing a good
business in the manufacture of wagons, at blacksmithing and in the
selling of agricultural implements of all kinds. The firm is composed of
Charles F. and John Heimlich, sons of Gottfried and Polly (Quada)
Heimlich, natives of Germany. Charles Heimlich was born in Honey
Creek Township February 16, 1859 ; received a very fair education at the
common schools, and was employed on his father's farm until twenty
years old ; he then served an apprenticeship of three years at black-
smithing and wagon-making. In 1882, he and his brother John bought
out John Brucker at Reynolds, and are now doing a prosperous business.
John Heimlich, the junior member of the firm, was born also in Honey
Creek December 27, 1861; received a fair education, and is now learning
his trade under the tuition of his brother. Both the brothers are mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church, and in politics both are Democrats.
CAPT. JAMES HESS was born in Findlay, Ohio, February 10,
1839, and is the fourth of the ten children born to John and Elizabeth
D. (Sanderson) Hess, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Vermont,
and of Welsh and English descent. John Hess was a brick mason ; he
was married in Huron County, Ohio, and in 1834 moved to Hancock
County ; in 1852, he removed to Branch County, Mich., and in 1856
came to Big Creek Township, this county, and in the following year to
this township, where he died January 1, 1873. James Hess never at-
tended school, even for one day, but since his majority has acquired a
sound knowledge of practical affairs ; he learned the mason's trade from
his father, and at the age of twenty-two, in April, 1861, enlisted in Com-
HONEV CREEK TOWNSHIP. 289
pany K, Tenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served a term of three
months. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Forty-sixth In-
diana Volunteer Infantry, and served until December, 1864, when he was
mustered out at Lexington, Ky., having been promoted through all the
intermediate grades to a Captaincy, receiving his commission September
12, 1863, as Captain of Company G, Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteer In-
fantry. He took part in the battles of Rich Mountain, New Madrid, St.
Charles, Ark., Fort Pemberton, Grand Gulf, the Vicksburg campaign
and the expedition up the Red River under Gen. Banks, and he it was
who planted the first Federal flag on the ramparts of Fort Pillow. In
the fall of 1874, he settled on seventy-four acres in this township. He
was married, February 21, 1866, to Lottie E. Lawson, a native of
Sweden, who has borne him three children — Lena, Mary D. and Clarrie
W. Capt. Hess is a Freemason, and in politics, a Democrat.
ABEL J. HOLTAM was born in Gloucestershire, England, June
6, 1826, and is the eldest of the four children born to Joseph and Sarah
(Harris) Holtam. Joseph Holtam, a baker and grocer, came with his
family to America in 1844, and settled in Albany, N. Y., Avhere he car-
ried on a grocery three or four years and then came to Reynolds, this
township, where he opened a grocery and bakery in connection with a
saloon, which he conducted until his death in May, 1880. He was a
member of the church of England, and had prospered well in life, own-
ing, at the time of his death, a good farm and valuable town property.
Abel J. Holtam was taught the baker's trade, which he followed for sev-
eral years in England and in America. In 1848, he located in La Porte,
Ind., and followed the grocery and baking business until 1856, when he
came to Reynolds and engaged in the same business. In 1859, he
abandoned baking and added a saloon to his grocery, which he ran until
May, 1882, when he withdrew into retirement. Mr. Holtam was first
married to Sarah Gerver, a native of the North of Ireland, who died Feb-
ruary 20, 1870. April 17, 1870, he married, Pauline Schwantes, a
native of Prussia, who has borne him one son — Joseph William. In
politics, Mr. Holtam is a Democrat ; he is a member of the Church of
England, and his wife of the Lutheran Church.
WINFIELD S. JOHNSON was born in Princeton Township, this
county, September 17, 1847, and is the eldest of the five living children
of Robert C. and Mary (White) Johnson, natives of Ohio. At the age of
seventeen or eighteen, Robert Johnson was brought by his parents to
Tippecanoe County, this State; he was there married in 1842, and the
following year came to Princeton Township, where he entered eighty
acres, which he subsequently increased to 600 ; in 1866, he moved to
Battle Ground to have his children educated, and returned in 1870 ; he
290 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
had joined the Methodist Church when a youth, but shortly after mar-
riage he and wife united with the Christian Church, of which, in about
1846, he became a regularly ordained minister, and was the first resident
minister in Princeton Township, and the first to organize a religious
society there ; he traveled extensively and preached until his death in
December, 1876, In politics, he had been a Whig, but afterward became
a Republican, and was noted for his zeal in the support of the adminis-
tration during the late war; he was also for several years Justice of the
Peace in Princeton Township. Winfield S. Johnson was educated at the
common schools, and for four years at the high school at Battle Ground.
He then engaged in farming and stock-raising with his father until the
spring of 1879, when he came to Reynolds and opened a general store in
company with W. A. Hennegar, who retired in October, 1881, Mr.
John B. Foltz taking his place in March, 1882, the firm name being
Johnson & Co. They carry a well-selected stock of dry goods, groceries,
clothing, hats, caps, boots and shoes, notions, etc., and do an annual busi-
ness of |20,000. Mr. Johnson was married, October 12, 1871, to Louisa
A. R. Osman, native of La Porte County, Ind. In politics, he is a Re-
publican, and in November, 1881, was appointed Postmaster of Reynolds,
which position he still holds.
M. NEIDENBERGER & SON, hardware dealers of Reynolds, carry
a large and well-selected stock, valued at from $2,000 to |2,500, their
annual sales reaching $7,000 to $8,000. They also do a large tin manu-
facturing business. They began trade in 1879, having purchased the
stock of goods then held by James Eads. Mathias Neidenberger, senior
member of the firm, was born in Bavaria March 26, 1814 ; he was
brought up to the tailor's trade, and in 1831 came to the United States,
settling in New York City, where he worked at his trade for about two
years; he then went to St. Louis, where he worked about fifteen years;
thence he went to Collinsville, 111., and in 1879 came to Reynolds and
engaged in the hardware trade an(^ the manufacture of tinware. He was
married, in St. Louis, to Christina Bechtoldt, a native of Baden, Ger-
many, who bore him ten children. Christian G. Neidenberger, the junior
partner of the firm, was the seventh child in this family of ten, and was
born in Collinsville, 111., February 1, 1857, and at the age of seventeen
began to learn the tinner's trade, which he has followed ever since, and
is universally acknowledged to be a skillful workman. The elder Mr.
Neidenberger is a member of the Lutheran Church.
PARIS NORDYKE was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind., July 21,
1838, and is the youngest of the six children bom to Robert and Eliza-
beth (Shaw) Nordyke, both natives of North Carolina and of English
descent. Robert Nordyke, a farmer, was married in North Carolina and
HONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP. 291
came to Tippecanoe County about 1825, being among tlie pioneers ; in
1846, he moved to Princeton Township, this county, and settled on 400
acres of land he had entered about two years previously, cleared up a
farm, and there died in 1847, a member of the Society of Friends ; after
her husband's death, his widow withdrew from the Quaker faith and
joined the Methodist Church. Paris Nordyke, at the age of twenty-one,
left the home farm and worked out by the month until July, 1861, when
he enlisted in Company K, Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and
served until after the battle of the Wilderness, where he was severely
wounded ; he was then sent to Indianapolis, where he was clerk in the
oflBce of Gen. J. S. Simonson until May, 1865, when he was discharged.
On his return, he bought out a store in Wolcott, this county, and carried
on a general trade for one year, and then moved to Reynolds, where he
clerked until the spring of 1870 ; then he went to State Line and was
employed in a railroad oflSce a year, and in 1871 returned to Reynolds,
where he has ever since been engaged in the lumber trade. April 26,
1868, he married Sarah E. Jewett, a native of Miami County, Ind., who
has borne him three children, two yet living — Gertie E. and Earl J,
Mr. Nordyke is a Freemason. In politics, he is a Republican, and has
been for several years a member of the School Board at Reynolds.
LIEUT. JUDSON S. PAUL was born in Muskingum County, Ohio,
September 1, 1838, and is the sixth of the seven children born to Jacob
and Elizabeth (Harding) Paul, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia,
and respectively of Welsh and English descent. At the age of five, in
1807, Jacob Paul was taken to Morgan County, Ohio, by his parents,
and was there reared, educated and married, and for many years followed
farming. Subsequently, he came to White County, and purchased prop-
erty in the village of Bradford or Monon, where Mrs. Elizabeth Paul
died, a member of the Baptist Church, and since then Mr. Paul has re-
sided with his children, at present making his home with Judson S. The
latter received a good education in the common and high schools of his
native State, and worked with his father on the farm until 1861, when
he entered Miller's Academy, in Guernsey County, Ohio, and interrupted
his studies there in August, 1862. by enlisting in Company C, One
Hundred and Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry. At the
organization of this company, he was elected Second Lieutenant, and he
was with his regiment in all its engagements until June 15, 1863, when
he was taken prisoner at Winchester, Va., and sent to Libby Prison;
thence to Macon, Ga.; thence to Charleston (where for a time the pris-
oners were placed under the fire of the Federal fleet, then shelling the
city), and thence to Camp Sorghum, near Columbia, S. C, from which
prison Mr. Paul and others made their escape November 15, 1864, and
292 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
by nocturnal and secret travel made their way to a point about 200
miles north in Cherokee County, where they were re-captured by Thom-
as's legion of Indians, taken to Greenville, S. C, and placed in jail,
from which they were released by the jailer's daughter, only to be re-capt-
ured three days later. In March, 1865, Mr. Paul was sent to Rich-
mond, was paroled April 2, and discharged May 15, 1865. In the fall,
he came to Union Township, this county, and engaged there with his
brother in farming and stock-raising until the fall of 1868, when he
bought the farm in this township on which he now lives. December 4,
1868, he married Anna McCuaig, a native of Washington County, Ohio,
who has borne him five children — Harriet, William J,, Daniel, James
and Joseph E, Lieut. Paul is a member of the G. A. R., and in politics
is a stanch Republican.
WILLIAM H. RINKER was born in Union Township, this county.
May 26, 1886, and is the third of the eight children born to Joshua and
Louisa (Reece) Rinker, both natives of Virginia, respectively of German
and Scotch descent, born June 10, 1801, and February 14, 1809, and
married in Hampshire County, Va., August 28, 1828. In 1831 or
1832, this couple moved to Clark County, Ohio, whence, in the fall of
1834, they came to Union Township. For two years, Joshua farmed on
shares. In 1836, he entered 130 acres in Big Creek and Honey Creek
Townships. He at first erected a rude log-cabin, but subsequently built
the first brick house ever put up in this township. He died December
1, 1869, a zealous member of the M. E. Church, in which for several
years he was a class leader. His wife had gone before, April 20, 1864,
and she also was a worthy member of the M. E. Church. William H.
Rinker received his early instruction at the frontier subscription school,
and assisted on the home farm until twenty-three years old. He then
farmed on shares about six years, and in the fall of 1866 bought the farm
of eighty acres on Section 34, this township, on which he yet resides.
He was married, August 19, 1860, to Esther Bunnell, a native of Big
Creek Township, who has borne him seven children, five still living. In
December, 1864, he enlisted in the Fifty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infan-
try, and served until the following May, when he was discharged at
Indianapolis. In politics, he is a Republican, and both he and wife are
members of the M. E. Church, in which he has held various official
positions.
JAMES P. SIMONS was born in Prairie Township, this county,
November 9, 1856, and is the eldest of the seven children born to George
H. and Mary (Welch) Simons, the former a native of Virginia and the
latter of Ohio, and respectively of German and Welsh descent. In 1843,
at about the age of eight years, George H. Simons came to Big Creek
;#'
i;
^ ot/ry^kjuujt lMyreC£/y%^
V YORK
HONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP. 295
TowQsliip, this county, with his parents ; hi* father died when he was
about twelve, after which he made his home with an aunt until he was
twenty-one ; he then farmed on shares for several years, then moved to
Butler County, Kan.; bought a farm and remained until the fall of 1881,
when he returned to White County and settled in Union Township, where
he and wife now reside, members of the Union Baptist Church. James
P. Simons, until eighteen years old, was employed by his father ; he then
began teaching school in winter and farming in summer, and has been so
employed ever since. In September, 1881, he married Sarah E. John-
son, a native of White County, who has borne him one son — Walter A.
In politics, Mr. Simons is a Democrat, and in Big Creek Township served
as Deputy Assessor two years. In November, 1882, he was elected Re-
corder of White County, receiving a large majority, and almost the
entire vote of his own township.
JOSEPH SKEVINGTON was born in Bedford, England, March 8,
1806, and is the youngest of the sixteen children born to Marcer and
Ann (Parker) Skevington. Marcer Skevington was an employing shoe-
maker, was a member of the Bunyan Meeting-House congregation, which
met near the place of imprisonment of the author of " The Pilgrim's
Progress," and died in 1815. Joseph Skevington served an apprentice-
ship of seven years at tailoring, worked nearly two years as journeyman,
and in 1828 opened a shop on his own account. In the summer of 1851,
he came to the United States and located at Cincinnati, worked as jour-
neyman about eighteen months, moved to Carthage, Ohio, and thence, in
November, 1854, came to Reynolds, where he opened a shop and trans-
acted business until 1876, when he retired. He was married in Bedford
in June, 1828, to Lucy Hedge, who bore him eleven children (five of
whom are still living) and died April 27, 1847, a member of the Bunyan
congregation, in whose churchyard her remains were interred. Two of
the sons, John and William, served in our late war. John was a member
of Company K, Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and re-enlisted
on his discharge for disability, in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-
eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served all through until the end
— having been color bearer at the battle of Franklin. William Skeving-
ton was a member of Company D, Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
and was with his regiment in all its marches and engagements until the
battle of Mission Ridge, where he fell. Joseph Skevington is a Repub-
lican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
SAMUEL D. SLUYTER, M. D., was born in Liberty Township,
White County, July 18, 1857, and is the youngest of the three children
born to Hiram and Elizabeth J. (Debra) Sluyter, the former a native of
Ulster County, N. Y., and the latter of Darke County, Ohio, and respect-
296 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ively of German and Scotch descent. Hiram Sluyter was but seven
years old when he came with his parents to Liberty Township, then an
almost unbroken wilderness and filled with Indians. He helped clear up
a farm and remained on the place until twenty-one, when his father gave
him sixty acres of wild land in the same township, which he converted
into a farm and added to from time to time until he has now a homestead
of 120 acres. He has served as Justice of the Peace for the past twelve
years, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church. Samuel
D. Slyter worked with his father until he was twenty years of age, and
then farmed on shares for two years. In January, 1880, he commenced
the study of medicine with Dr. R. B. Palmer, of Idaville, remaining one
year. He then attended a course of lectures at the Eclectic Medical Col-
lege at Cincinnati, after which he studied at home until September, 1882,
when he came to Reynolds, where he has since practiced his profession
with flattering success. April 7, 1878, he married Sarah E. Ross, a
native of Montgomery County, Ind., who bore him one daughter —
Maggie R. — and died September 1, 1880, a member of the Christian
Church. August 24, 1882, the Doctor married Geneva A. Woolley, a
native of Hamilton County, Ohio. The Doctor is a member of the Green-
back party, and in 1882 was its candidnte for County Clerk. Both the
Doctor and his wife are members of the Christian Church.
MAHLON F. SMITH was born in this county August 22, 1843,
and is the only child of Peter B. and Mary (Eraser) Smith, natives re-
spectively of Norway and Ohio. Peter B. Smith was a ship-owner and
sea-captain, and after visiting nearly every port in the world, arrived at
New Orleans in 1831, where he and partner sold their ship and cargo
and came to this county in the winter of 1831-32, and entered a large
tract of land in what is now Union Township. Here they laid out the
town of Norway, built the first dam across the Tippecanoe River, erected
the first saw mill in the county, and also put up a small store building,
now occupied by B. 0. Spencer, in Monticello, which was probably the
second built in the town. Mr. Smith died January 2, 1850, a life-long
member of the Masonic fraternity. Mahlon F. Smith lost his mother
when he was but ten days old, and was reared by his grandmother until
seventeen years of age. July 14, 1861, he enlisted in Company K,
Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until mustered out,
August, 1864. He was presented by Gen. Birney with the " Kearney
Medal of Honor," for meritorious services and conspicuous bravery at the
battle of Chancellorsville, and, although he took part in many battles,
escaped without a wound. After his return, he engaged in farming and
stock-raising in this county, and in March, 1869, took possession of his
present farm of 240 acres, where he continues in the same business.
HONEY CREKK TOWNSHIP. 297
April 14, 1868, he married Mary A. Kenton, daughter of William M.
and Mary A. (McColloch) Kenton, and grand-daughter of Simon Ken-
ton, the famous hunter, and companion of Daniel Boone. Mr. and Mrs.
Smith have left to them one child, Birney K. In 1880, Mr. Smith in-
vented a device for preserving seed corn, and the next year a friend, Rev.
Smith, of Monticello, invented a machine capable of turning out 24,000
of these corn preservers per day. " Mr. Smith is a prominent Mason, and
in politics is a Republican.
WILLIAM H. H. SMITH w .s born in La Fayette, this State,
May 19, 1836, and is the second of the eleven children born to Stephen
J. and Catherine (Snyder) Smith, natives of Virginia and Indiana.
Stephen J. Smith came to La Fayette in 1828, where he followed his
trade of chair-maker. In 1851, he came to Liberty Township, this
county, bought and worked a farm until 1862, then moved to Battle
Ground and thence returned to La Fayette, where he is living retired, at
the age of seventy-five years. William EI. H. Smith was employed on
his father's farm until nineteen ; he then clerked in a grocery at La
Fayette; then worked a year at the printing business in Indianapolis ; then
engaged in news dealing on the railroad a short time; then learned the
photographers' art at Indianapolis ; worked at the picture business in
Franklin awhile; opened a studio at Greenwarjd; opened an art gallery in
Reynolds in 1858 ; engaged in a jewelry store in La Fayette eighteen
months ; was employed in the picture business again in Indianapolis ; re-
turned to La Fayette in 1865 and opened a studio ; moved to Monticello
in July, 1869, and opened a gallery ; came again to Reynolds, and for a
short time engaged in picture making, and in 1879 here opened his hotel,
and has been doing a good business ever since. In May, 1858, Mr.
Smith married Sarah E. Bear, a native of Jennings County, Ind., who
died in March, 1875, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In
February, 1876, he married Annie Turner, who has borne him one
daughter, Lizzie K. In politics, Mr. Smith is a Greenbacker.
SOLOMON SPENCER was born in Union Township, this county,
January 6, 1839, and is the third of the eight children born to Thomas
and Elizabeth A. (Barnet) Spencer, natives respectively of Pennsylvania
and the District of Columbia, and of Scotch and English descent. When
a small boy, Thomas Spenser was taken by his parents to Perry Countv
Ohio, where he was taught the tanner's trade; he was there married, and
soon after abandoned his trade and became a farmer. In 1830, he came
to this county with his brother, George A. Spencer; returned to Ohio, and
in 1860 came back to this county and bought 160 acres of his brother,
Benjamin M., in Union Township, also entering 320 acres in Union and
920 acres in Honey Creek Township. On the Union Township land he
298 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
erected a cabin, in which Solomon Spencer was born, and on this place
Thomas Spencer died in October, 1877, having been preceded by his wife
October 10, 1870 ; both had been life-long members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Spencer had held various official posi-
tions. Solomon Spencer received the ordinary education obtainable at a
frontier schoolhouse, which he afterward improved by, extensive reading
and study. He remained on the home farm until thirty years of age, and
then bought a farm of 480 acres in this township, where he has ever since
been extensively and successfully engaged in the stock business. Feb-
ruary 11, 1869, he married Olivia Thomas, a native of Ohio, but there
have been born no children to this union. Mr. Spencer is a member of
Monticello Lodge, No. 144, A., F. & A. M., and is liberal in his political
views. His parents were among the pioneers of the county, and among
the heirlooms in his possession is a looking-glass more than a hundred
years old, which belonged to his maternal grandmother ; he has also a camp
kettle which was used by his maternal grandfather in the war of 1812.
JAMES SPRAGUE was born in Burlington County, N. J., Septem-
ber 21, 1837, and is the second of the four children born to Richard and
Rebecca A. (Pettit) Sprague, both natives of New Jersey. At the age of
eight years, James Sprague lost his mother, and thereafter, until twenty-
one, he made his home with Jacob Sutts. He then worked out at farm-
ing until the spring of I860, when he came to Monticello, this county ;
remained a short time, and then went to Warren County, where he farmed
until August, 1861, when he enlisted in Company H, Tenth Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, and served till mustered out at Indianapolis, in Sep-
tember, 1864, having taken part in the battles of Mill Springs, Chicka-
mauga, Mission Ridge, and the Atlanta campaign, and numerous skir-
mishes and minor engagements. He next farmed as a hired hand for
three years, near Monticello, and then on shares in Big Creek Township
about eight years. In the spring of 1875, he bought eighty acres of wild
land in this township, which he has since improved, and on which he still
resides. October 30, 1866, he married Mary A. Moore, a native of
Union Township, and a daughter of James P. and Sarah (Worthington)
Moore, who were among the early settlers of this county. To this union
six children have been born, four yet living — Elsie L., Chester S., Lor-
etta C. and James A. In politics, Mr. Sprague is a Republican, and for
four years was Assessor of Big Creek Township, and he and wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
SAMUEL VIRDEN was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January
23, 1815, and is the second of the nine children born to William and
Lydia (Hopkins) Virden, both natives of Delawa^-e. vVilliam Virden
went to Pickaway County when he was a young man ; he was a carpen-
IIONKY CllEKK TOWNSHIP. 299
ter, Avhich trade he followed in connection with farming until his death,
May 2, 1830, and had been a soldier in the war of 1812. His widow
died in Tippecanoe County, Ind,, September 23, 1845, a consistent mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church. Samuel Virden, now a man of very
extensive reading, was educated at the log schoolhouse of the frontier. At
the age of fifteen, he lost his father, and thereafter he was the main sup-
port of his widowed mother and his seven younger brothers and sisters.
In November, 1833, the family came to Big Creek Township, this county,
where the brothers took a lease on a half section of land owned by Piiilip
Wolverton, and for three years improved about 100 acres. They then
moved to Prairie Township, and in 1838 to Tippecanoe County, where
they bought a farm of 720 acres on the Wea Plains, having
received the proceeds of a bequest left them a few years bo-.
fore by a relative in the East. They engaged in the live stock
business, finding markets at Michigan City, Chicago and Detroit, to
which points the cattle were driven on foot. The business prospered,
and in 1853 Mr. Virden, one brother and a sister bought out the inter-
ests of the others, and the same year the farm was divided among the
three. Samuel Virden remained on his portion until the spring of 1857,
when he sold out and moved to Lodi, 111., where, in company with Nathan
Plowman, he erected a steam grist mill at a cost of $25,000. On the
night of December 24, 1861, the mill was destroyed by fire, and was un-
insured. This loss left Mr. Virden quite impoverished, and in 1863 he
returned to Tippecanoe County, and for ten years farmed on shares and
engaged in rearing stock, in which he was very successful. In 1872, he
bought 560 acres in this township, on which he moved the following year,
and here he still resides, having been ever since successfully engaged in
stock-raising. January 25, 1853, he married Mary F,, a daughter of
James and Esther (Fallis) Welch, and a native of Clinton County, Ohio.
Turner Welch was a physician, and for a time was Surgeon in the army
during the war of 1812. To Mr. and Mrs. Virden has been left one
son — Samuel T., now attending Purdue University. In politics, Mr.
Virden was formerly a Whig, later became a Republican, and is at pres-
ent Road Superintendent of the township.
ANDERSON T. VIRDEN was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind.,
December 5. 1846, and is the eldest of the five children born to Stratton
and Louisa (Thompson) Virden. He was educated at the common schools
and at the Farmer's Institute of Tippecanoe County, and until twenty-
eight years old was employed on the home farm. In the spring of 1873,
his father gave him an interest in forty acres of land in Big Creek Town-
ship, this county, which interest he sold in 1875, and came to this town-
ship, where he bought 120 acres of unimproved land, on which he still
300 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
resides, and which he has ever since cultivated. September 23, 1874,
he married Mary E. Anderson, a native of Clark County, Ohio, who
has borne him three children — Oliver M., Fletcher S. and Anna Lee.
In politics, Mr. Virden is a Republican, and both himself and wife are
consistent members of the M. E. Church.
PHILIP F. WARD was born in Kent County, Del., September 27,
1815, and is the third of the nine children born to William and Nancy
(Price) Ward, both natives of Delaware, and of English and German
descent respectively. The parents of this couple, John Ward and John
Price, served in the Continental army all through the Revolutionary
struggle — John Ward, who was in the British Army, deserting to join
the Americans. William Ward was in the war of 1812 ; he was a farm-
er, was married in Delaware, and in the fall of 1830 brought his family
to Tippecanoe County, this State ; remained three years ; moved to Clin-
ton County, entered 240 acres, developed a farm, and there died in 1854,
a member of the Masonic fraternity. Philip F. Ward, at the age of
seventeen, was apprenticed to carpentering, which he followed several
years. In 1840, he entered forty acres in Clinton County, Ind., to which
he afterward added eighty acres, and developed a farm. In 1848, he sold
the place, and bought 160 acres in Tippecanoe County. Resided there
till 1858 ; then sold out, came to this township, and bought a farm of 320
acres, which he still owns. In 1875, he retired to Reynolds, where he
owns a handsome property. In 1845, he married Eliza Goldesbery, who
bore him five children, and died in 1857, a member of the M. E. Church.
In June, 1858, he married Susan De Ford, who has borne him eleven
children. Of his children, there are twelve yet living — four by his first
and eight by his second marriage. Mr. W. is a Democrat, and he and
wife are members of the Christian Church.
JAMES H. WILLIAMS was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, Feb-
ruary 18, 1828, and is the youngest of the seven children born to Elijah
and Elizabeth (Hanna) Williams, natives respectively of Maine and
Pennsylvania. Elijah Williams moved to Guernsey County in 1811,
served as a Sergeant through the war of 1812, under Gen. Harrison, was
married in his adopted county, and there died May 27, 1828, in his forty-
second year, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. About two
years after the death of Mr. Williams, his widow moved to Licking
County, Ohio, bought 100 acres of land, resided thereon until 1866, and
then made her home with her son, James H., until her death, April 6,
1874, in her eighty-seventh year, and for more than seventy years a con-
sistent member of the Presbyterian Church, At the age of sixteen,
James H. Williams was apprenticed for five years to a carpenter. He
then worked as a journeyman in Columbus until 1851, and then in a
HONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP. 301
saw mill until 1853. He then assisted in the survey of the route of the
Baltimore & Ohio Railway through Southern Ohio, and later took a con-
tract, with his brother, for building two miles of said road. In 1854,
they bought 100 acres of land in Licking County, on a part of which
the present town of Summit is situated, and there lived until April, 1861,
our subject being employed as conductor on the Baltimore & Ohio road
from 1856 to 1859. In April, 1861, Mr. Williams came to Union Town-
ship, this county, and farmed until the spring of 1864, when he came to
this township and purchased 200 acres of land, which he afterward traded
for Western land, and bought his present farm. In 1849, he married
Nancy McCray, a native of Franklin County, Ohio, who has borne him
eight children, six yet living. Mr. Williams is a Democrat, and has held
the office of Township Assessor ; he is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and
both himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
THORNTON WILLIAMS was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1826,
and is the elder of the two children living born to Thornton and Harriet
Williams. Thornton Williams, Sr., was an officer in the war of 1812,
and at one time was an extensive land-holder in Pennsylvania, but lost
the greater portion of his property by going surety for his friends. At
the age of five years, Thornton Williams, our subject, lost his father, and
at the age of seven was compelled to seek his own living. Until sixteen,
he worked at whatever he could do — chiefly teaming. He then learned
carpentering, and for fifteen or sixteen years followed the trade in Penn-
sylvania, Ohio and this State. In 1848, he moved from La Fayette to
this county and farmed on shares in Big Creek Township for several
years. Near the close of the war, he bought a farm in this township, but
five years later lost it through the ravages of the cattle plague ; he then
moved to Reynolds, and soon afterward engaged in hunting and trapping
in connection with farming and grain shipping. In December, 1881, he
moved upon his present farm in Section 34, which had been left to his
wife by her father. He was married, January 13, 1849, to Mary E.,
Rinker, a native of Virginia, and daughter of Joshua and Louisa (Reece)
Rinker. To this marriage were born ten children, seven of whom are
still living. Mrs. Williams died August 20, 1872, a devoted and con-
sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which church Mr.
Williams is also a member, and has been for over thirty years.
JOSEPH R. WILSON was born in Westmoreland County, Penn.,
October 28, 1832, and is the eighth of the eleven children born to Hugh
and Nancy (Story) Wilson, both natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-
Irish and English descent. Hugh Wilson was a farmer, and in April,
1869, on the same farm on which he was born, he died, a member of the
Presbyterian Church. Joseph R. Wilson worked on the home farm till
302 . BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
he was thirty-five years old, when he moved to Harrison County, Iowa,
bought a farm of 1,250 acres, and engaged in farming and stock-raising
until 1875, when he sold out and came to Reynolds, where he has ever
since been extensively engaged in the lumber trade and the sale of agri-
cultural implements. November 22, 1872, he married Clara Frame, a
native of Trumbull County, Ohio. In politics, Mr. Wilson is a Repub-
lican.
AARON WOOD was born in Guilford County, N. C, July 21, 1815,
and is the eldest of the ten children born to Drury and Rodah (Shaw)
Wood, both natives of Maryland. Drury Wood was a soldier in the war
of 1812 ; he was a farmer and was married in Guilford County, where
he resided until 1831, when he moved to Washington County, this State,
and in the spring of 1832 to Tippecanoe County, where he bought 160
acres of wild land, which he improved, but sold in 1848, when he came
to Princeton Township and bought a farm on which he ended his earthly
career November 10, 1856, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Aaron Wood, at the age of sixteen, began working out by the month ;'in
1840, he went to Benton County and farmed on shares until the spring
of 1846, when he came to Princeton Township and opened a general
store; in 1847, he moved to Oxford, Benton County, and kept store un-
til 1852, then kept store in Pine Village, Warren County, one year, re-
turned to PrincetOii Township and engaged in farming and store-keeping
until December, 1854, when he sold his farm and moved his store to Rey-
nolds. In the fall of 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Forty-sixth
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of his term of
service, December, 1864. He took part in the battles of New Madrid,
Riddle's Point, Fort Pillow, Memphis, St. ChSrles, Port Gibson, Cham-
pion Hill and Vicksburg. On his return to Reynolds, he re-embarked in
mercantile trade, and is now dealing in groceries and hardware. He is
a Democrat, and since 1865 has been Justice of the Peace, which office
he also held four years before the war ; he also was Postmaster four
years before and one year after the war. His first wife (Margaret Sherry)
bore him three children and died in the spring of 1852 ; in January,
1853, he married Mahala Hooker, who also bore him three children
and died in 1858 ; in April, 1865, he married Nancy Paterson, who has
borne him five children.
JAMES P. WRIGHT was born in Washington County, Ind., De-
cember 4, 1880, and is the son of West Lee and Nancy (Wright) Wright.
The former was born in Wayne County, Ky., in 1803, and the latter in
Oldham County, same State, in 1808. Mrs. Nancy Wright's father,
James Wright, came to Monroe County, Ind., about 1810, and there
died in his one hundred and second year ; her grandfather, Jacob Sears,
HONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP. 303
died in Oldham County, Ky., in his one hundred and fifteenth year.
William Wright, grandfather of James P., was a native of Guilford
County, N. C, of English parentage; was a soldier in the war of the
Revolution, and was noted in his day as a writer of hymns, I. 0. 0. F.
odes and of temperance songs. In the spring of 1832, West Lee Wright
moved with his family to Jackson County, Ind.. and entered land one
mile south of the present site of Medora, and developed a farm on which
he resided until his death, in 1876. At a log school house in this wilder-
ness, James P. Wright received the rudiments of his education, and un-
derwent all the hardships of pioneer life, giving his cheerful services to
his parents until 1852, when he married Miss Martha Louden, a daughter
of Samuel C. Louden, of Lawrence County, Ind. Two children are the
fruit of this union — Theodore J., and Lorenna, now the wife of J. J.
Toles, architect. In 1857, Mr. Wright began the study of law at Me-
dora; in July, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Twenty -fifth Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, in which regiment John W. Foster, late Minister
to Mexico, was a Major. Mr. Wright served until August, 1864, and
when with Fremont, on the memorable march from Otterville to Spring-
field, was taken ill with fever, and wis left at the house of a planter,
whose family and a Confederate surgeon carried him through his sickness
in safety. He then was in hospital at St. Louis until the spring of 1862,
when he rejoined his regiment just after the battle of Shiloh ; he took
part in the siege of Corinth, the battles of luka, Corinth, Hatchee River
and Decatur, and just after the last named was again taken sick, from
the eifects of which he has never entirely recovered. Soon after the
battle of Corinth, he was promoted for meritorious conduct in the field,
preferring a Sergeant's chevron in his own company to a commission in
some other regiment. In 1866, he opened a law office in Medora, and
practiced until 1872, and then moved to Indianapolis and opened an
office; in the spring of 1873, he was burned out and lost his valuable
library, which was uninsured ; he soon opened another office, however,
and had a fair practice until the spring of 1876, when he came to Rey-
nolds and entered upon his profession, and has already secured a lucrative
business. Criminal and litigated cases are with him specialties, and he
has a fine reputation as an advocate and also as a lecturer. In politics,
he is a stanch and active Republican. He is a member of Washington
Lodge, No. 13, A., F. & A. M., and, although a member of no church, is
a zealous advocate of the cause of temperance and an earnest pleader for
woman suffrage. He has also inherited somewhat of the poetical genius
of his ancestoi', and, during the war, composed many patriotic songs and
other poems.
304 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
A. B. BALLOU, M. D., was born in Orleans County, N. Y., July
29, 1831, and is the youngest of the six children, three yet living, born
to Aaron and Anna (Davis) Ballou, natives of Rhode Island and Massa-
chussetts, and of French extraction. The family moved to Ann Arbor,
Mich., about the year 1838, and three years later moved to St. Joseph
County, Mich., where they resided thirteen years on a farm, and then
removed to near Mendon, where the mother died April 12, 1855, and
the father May 12, 1855. A. B. Ballou was reared a farmer until nine-
teen, when he entered the college at Ann Arbor. After graduating, he
followed teaching for a time, and then devoted himself to the study of
medicine ; he located in Wolcott, and began practice in June, ] 864 ; in
1869, he moved to Burnettsville. where he has since held a leading posi-
tion. During these years of practice, he also attended lectures at the
Charity Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, in the winter of 1866-67, and at the
Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis in 1878-74, and at the latter
received his degree of M. D. He was married, December 23, 1862, to
Julia R. Long, born February 1, 1836, in Saxony, Germany, the daugh-
ter of Augustus and Julia Long, and a resident of this country since her
infancy. Dr. Ballou has been President of the District Medical Society
of White, Jasper, Benton and Newton Counties, and he is a member of
the Masonic fraternity.
JOHN T. BARNES, of the firm of Hall, Barnes & Co., merchants,
was born in Clarke County, Ohio, November 29, 1828, and is the eldest
of the five children of David and Elizabeth (Gedd) Barnes, natives of
Ohio, and of Scotch-Irish extraction. The family moved to Carroll
County, Ind., in the fall of 1834, and there Mr. Barnes was reared to
farming until fifteen years old, when he was left an orphan. In 1850, he
married Miss Sarah J., daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Foust)
Shaver, of East Tennessee, and born in 1831. To this union there were
ten children born, and of these there are five living — Henry M., George
T., Matthew H., Ada M. and Charles L. Soon after his marriage, Mr.
Barnes took up his residence on a forty-acre farm he had purchased in
this township in 1849, but two years later exchanged for a 120-acre farm,
going in debt |2,100, which was all paid oflF in 1860. He then engaged
in merchandising at Idaville until 1864, when he moved upon a farm two
miles north of town, which he had obtained in exchange for his 160-acre
farm. The following year, he traded this farm for a stock of goods, and
engaged again as a merchant in Idaville until 1868, when he exchanged
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 305
his goods for a 300-acre farm. In Auo;ust, 1862. he engaged in his pres-
ent business. He was elected County Commissioner in the fall of 1878 ;
is a Republican and an Odd Fellow, and he erected the first dwelling in
Idaville.
THOMAS BARNES was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, August 22,
1799, and is one of the nine children born to Thomas and Jane (McClain)
Barnes, natives of New York and Pennsylvania. He was reared a farmer,
in Greene County, Ohio, and in February, 1820, married Miss Phebe
Gadd, of Virginia, who bore him nine children — two now living — Eliza-
beth and Eleanor. Mr. Barnes came to this township in 1843, from Car-
roll County, Ind., where he had been living since 1834. He bought 143
acres of wild land, which he has converted into one of the best farms in
the township. In 1845, Mrs. Barnes died, at the age of forty- two. Sep-
tember 3, 1846, Mr. Barnes married Mary Hammil, a native of Tennes-
see, who bore him six children, three of whom are yet living — John A.,
Mary A. and Margaret A. The second Mrs. Barnes died in January,
1855, and the following October, Mr. Barnes married Mrs. Prudence
(Eldridge) Beard, of Shelby County, Ohio, who became the mother of
five children, four still living — Nancy A., Levi E., Rachel Bell and
Effie. Mrs. Prudence Barnes is the daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth
(Gibson) Eldridge, and has a daughter — Sarah E. — by her first husband.
Mr. Barnes served as Justice of the Peace in Carroll County, and has
been Township Trustee in Jackson Township nine years. His son, J.
Albert, in the fall of 1864, at the age of seventeen, enlisted in Company
11, One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and
served until the close of the war. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are members of
the United Presbyterian Church, of which he has been an Elder forty
years.
THOMAS W. BARNES was born in Greene County, Ohio, June
27, 1814, and is the son of Alexander and Sarah (Kirkpatrick) Barnes,
natives of Pennsylvania. John Barnes, father of Alexander, came from
Ireland to this country previous to the Revolutionary war, in which he
took part for eight years, serving as Captain. Alexander Barnes was a
soldier in the war of 1812 ; he died in Parke County, Ind., February 16,
1830, leaving his wife with eight children. When our subject was but
six months old, the family moved to Vincennes, Ind., thence to Fort Har-
rison, and thence to Parke County. In the spring of 1831, the widow
moved, with her children, to Carroll County, and entered land near the
north line, and there died in October, 1838. In 1840, Thomas W. mar-
ried Miss Cynthia Ginn, daughter of Robert and Anna Ginn, and born
August 26, 1821. In 1868, Mrs. Barnes died, leaving seven children —
LovJna J., Robert A., Sarah A., William A., Thomas E. (now deceased),
306 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Nancy Amanda and Mary M. In 1884, Mr. Barnes entered eighty acres
of land near the home farm, which he subsequently sold ; then made several
trades, and finally settled on 155 acres, remaining until 1848, when he sold
out and purchased 140 acres of his present farm in this township, which
he has increased to 166 acres, and put under a high state of cultivation-
The Barnes family was the sixth to settle here, and underwent all the hard-
ships of pioneer life, there being neither a road nor a bridge west of the
Wabash at that time. Mr. Barnes assisted in building the first church
and schoolhouse, and in laying out the first road in this section, and has
always, been foremost in works for the public good. He is a leading
member of the United Presbyterian Church, and is a Republican.
PETER BISHOP was born in Nicholas County, Ky., July 18,
1815, and is one of the fifteen children born to Henry and Margaret
Bishop, natives of Virginia. He was reared a farmer, and at the age of
seventeen went to Greene County, Ohio, where he remained two years,
when, in company with Mr. John Hannah, he came to this township,
November 8, 1831. Here he bought a forty-acre farm, which he has
since considerably enlarged. He was married in June, 1835, to Miss
Margaret Hannah, who died August 3, 1845, leaving five children —
Sarah, Henry, John, Mary and Margaret. Mr. Bishop was again mar-
ried, in April, 1846, the bride being Jane Delzell. of Pennsylvania, who
died September 29, 1858, the mother of the following children — Man da
M., Miranda J. and Nancy E. In 1859, Mr. Bishop married Mrs. Jane
(Whitman) Bobbins, his present wife. In 1872, he removed from his
farm to Idaville, and lived there three years, and then moved to his pres-
ent home. He was present at the first election held in the township, and
was one of the county's first jurors. He is a Democrat, and cast his first
vote for Gen. Jackson. He and wife are members of the Dunkard
Church.
J. M. CARSON, Assistant Postmaster at Idaville, was born in Mon-
roe County, Tenn., in 1823, and is the son of William and Rosanna
(McCully) Carson, natives of Tennessee and of Scotch and Irish extrac-
tion. William Carson came to Carroll County, this State, in the fall of
1833, there reared a family of eight children,, and died in 1852, followed
by his wife in 1872. J. M. Carson was reared a farmer, and at the age
of twenty-three married Miss Elizabeth, the daughter of Thomas Barnes,
born in 1826. The children born of this marriage were Ada, Thomas
W., James A., F. C, Eliza E., Perry E., Clara F. and John A. Soon
after his marriage, Mr. Carson came to Union Township, this county,
and farmed until ill-health compelled him to seek other employment. He
engaged in merchandising at Monticello awhile, and made several changes
up to 1861, when he settled in Idaville, where he has since resided, with
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. B07
the exception of two years, when he was in the dry goods trade at Monti-
cello. In October, 18G4, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and
Forty-second Indiana A'olunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged
in July, 1865. Botli he and wife are m'embers of the United Presby-
terian Church.
THEODORE J. DAVIS was born in Hamilton County, Ohio,
January 20, 1829, and is the third son of Noah and Margaret (Miller)
Davis, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The parents moved to
Union County, this State, about 1830, and thence to this county in 1842,
locating on part of the farm now owned by Theodore J. Here the father and
mother died in 1875 andl873, aged respectively eighty-three and seventy-
three years. The father had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and of
his family of nine, six sons were soldiers in the late war. Theodore J.
was reared to farming, receiving the education usual at the log houses of
his early days, the forty-six days of his last term being filled by his skat-
ing, morning and evening, a distance of four miles. He then, at the age
of seventeen, began life by farming, laboring on public works, and boat-
ing on the canal between La Fayette and Toledo. In 1851, he married
Miss Martha Jay, of this county, who died in January, 1852. July 8,
1855, he married Miss Sally, daughter of Jacob J. and Hester Smith,
and born in Sussex County, Del., in 1834. To this union were born six
children — Ruth, Margaret, Jacob, Hester, Ike and Rachel. Soon after
his marriage, he purchased forty acres of his present farm, which, through
his industry and good management, he has increased to 545 acres. Mr.
Davis took part in the late war from January, 1865, to the close. He is
a Democrat, and has served as County Commissioner one term. His wife
is a Second-Day Adventist.
W. S. DAVIS was born August 19, 1816, in Butler County, Ohio,
and was the eldest of the nine children — five yet living — born to George
and Catharine (Miller) Davis, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
George Davis died in Cass County, Ind., in the fall of 1844; his widow
married James McDowell, and died in Carroll County, Ind., in March,
1873, aged seventy-seven years. W. S. Davis was reared a farmer, but
served an apprenticeship of two years at the carpenter's trade. He was
married, in 1840, to Miss Margaret Thompson, of Wayne County, Ind.,
but a native of New Jersey. Mrs. Davis died in the fall of 1860, leav-
ing three children — Catharine, Florence (deceased) and Julia. In 1840,
Mr. Davis moved to this township, engaged in farming seven years ; then
moved to Burnettsville, where, in 1849, he built the first frame building,
which is still standing. He also assisted in building the court house at
Monticello. In 1850, he opened a general store in partnership with
Aaron Hicks. He was appointed Postmaster, and filled the office for
308 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
many years. He bought out his partner's interest and conducted the
business on his own account until the fall of 1875, when he moved to
Idaville, where he is now doing an extensive trade. In June, 1861, he
married Marilla (Imes) Shepherd, of Burnettsville, a native of Ohio, and
daughter of William and Lydia Imes. Mr. Davis is a Democrat, and
has served as Road Supervisor and School Trustee; he is a Freemason,
and Mrs. Davis is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
L. C. DEVELIN was born in Cambridge City, Ind., August 6,
1835, and is one of the four children of George and Anna (Rains) Deve-
lin, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Indiana. Mr. Develin,
about his majority, began railroading as baggage-master at Cambridge;
he filled the position three years and then went on as brakeman, working
himself up, in two years, to the office of conductor on the Dayton & West-
ern Railroad. In 1861, he engaged in the fruit and grocery trade at
Chicago; then traveled for a wholesale house for awhile, and in 1863 en-
gaged on the T.,L. «fc B., R. R., at Logansport, as traveling agent and ex-
tra conductor. May 8, 1864, while instructing a new yardmaster in his
duties, he had both ankles crushed by a tank wheel, which led to amputa-
tion. The operation was not skillfully performed, and six weeks later a
second amputation became necessary. After recovery and after pro-
viding himself with artificial limbs, Mr. Develin entered the telegraph
oflSce at Cambridge City as a student, and in December, 1865, he was ap-
pointed agent and operator at Burnettsville, the office being then first es-
tablished, and he still holds the position. He was married, November 9,
1870, to Mary Mary Sharpe, of Kentland, Ind., and this lady has borne
him three children — Mertie, May and Leo. Mr. Develin is correspond-
ent for a number of journals, Florin being his nom de plume. He is a
Democrat, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
WILLIAM H. DOWNS was born in Ross County, Ohio, June 25,
1843, and is the son of Samuel and Ann (Hines) Downs, both natives of
Ohio. He came with his parents to Tippecanoe County, this State, in
1848, and to Union Township, this county, in 1852, where he resided
until August 2, 1862, when he enlisted in Company G, Seventy-third
Illinois Volunteer Infantry ; was mustered in at South Bend and was as-
signed to the Fourteenth Army Corps, under Gen. Crittenden. He fought
at Chaplin's Hill, Murfreesboro, Decatur and Athens. At Mill Creek,
he was accidentally injured by the fall of a stockade, from the effect of
which he was confined in the hospital three weeks. In June, 1865, he
was honorably discharged, and came at once to Carroll County, where
he lived on rented land a number of years, and then came to this town-
ship and purchased forty acres, a part of his present home, which he has
since increased to ninety-nine acres, all in a good state of cultivation. In
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 309
September, 1866, he married Miss Rachel Hammil, who was born in
May, 1846, in Carroll County, Ind., and who is the daughter of James
H. and Nancy (Montgomery) Hammil, both natives of Tennessee. Six
children were born to this union, viz.: Edwin, Frank, Ofiarles, Harrison,
Samuel and Harvey. In politics, Mr. Downs is a Republican, and both
he and wife are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
MAJ. DAVID DROKE was born in East Tennessee March 31,
1800, and was the second of the twelve children born to Jacob and Cath-
erine Droke. He was reared a farmer, and was married May 5, 1825, to
Rebecca Shaver, of East Tennessee, daughter of David and Catherine
(Barnger) Shaver, and born September 8, 1804. By this union he became
the father of ten children, of whom four are still living — David, James,
Martha and Eliza. In the fall of 1849, he brought his family to this
county, and bought 240 acres at $6 per acre. A few years later, he pur-
chased a saw mill, which he ran for two or three years. Mr. and Mrs.
Droke are members of the United Presbyterian Church, and they and
family, in 1852, founded the first Sabbath school in this township, and it
has proved to be a permanent institution. While living in Tennessee,
Mr. Droke was commissioned Major of the home militia or minutemen,
of whom he had previously been Captain. He is recognized as a public-
spirited citizen, and the family are held in high respect by the commu-
nity.
DAVID S. DROKE was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., Decem-
ber 22, 1829, and was reared a farmer. He came to this county with
his parents in the fall of 1849, and assisted his father until about 1852,
when he married Miss Eleanor, daughter of Thomas and Phebe (Gadd)
Barnes, and born in Ohio, in 1833. One son was born to this union —
Jacob F., who died when a year old. For six years after marriage, Mr.
Droke resided in Carroll' County, and then purchased his present
home of forty-three acres, six miles south of Idaville. Mr. Droke is a
Democrat, and has served as School Director and Road Master. He is
an anti-secret society man, but in home politics votes for the man of his
choice, rather than from party dictation. He has used his influence to
induce a number of friends at the South to come North, as he
thinks the latter section possesses greater advantages for farming than
the former. He and wife are firm members of the United Presbyterian
Church. His parents, David and Rebecca (Shaver) Droke, were both
natives of Tennessee, but of German extraction.
JAMES S. DROKE was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., June 5,
1834, and at the age of fifteen came to this county with his parents, whom
he left at the age of twenty-one, and began farming on his own account.
He was married, in 1859, to Miss Minerva Bagwell, a native of Parke
310 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
County, Ind., born March 8, 1838, and daughter of William and Eliza-
beth (Martin) Bagwell, of North Carolina ; were married in Parke Coun-
ty, and there reared a family of thirteen children, and who died in this
county at the ag^ of seventy-two and seventy-eight years respectively.
Mr. and Mrs. Droke became the parents of five children — William D.,
Alice, Mary E., John F. and Amanda J. Of these, only Mary E. and
Amanda J. are living. Mr. Droke, on his marrying, located on the home
farm, where he remained eight years and then removed to Cass County,
this State, where he lived two years, and then came to his present farm
of sixty-eight acres. He and wife are members of the United Presby-
terian Church.
D. L. FISHER was born in Carroll County, Ind., October 14, 1839,
and is the seventh of the nine children born to David and Susanna (Pef-
fler) Fisher, who were born in Virginia March 20 and September 22,
1804, respectively, and who were both of English descent, and married
in Ohio August 31, 1824, locating in Carroll County, Ind., shortly after.
D. L. Fisher was reai-ed a farmer and miller. E[is mother died in 1847,
and his father, who was a German Baptist minister, died February 5,
1871, aged sixty-seven years. Mr. Fisher began farming on his own ac-
count at the age of nineteen, but soon rented a grist mill from his father
near Camden, which he operated until 1861, when he moved to Cass
County; operated a mill there one year and then came to this county and
bought a farm, which he tilled two years, and then exchanged for a half
interest in a mill seven miles northwest of Logansport. In 1866, he ex-
changed this mill for his present home, one mile west of Burnettsville.
In 1870, he began selling farm machinery, and January 1, 1883, took in
as partner J. M. Love, and the firm now carry a complete line of agri-
cultural implements, wagons, etc. June 12, 1859, he married Miss
Nancy Murray, born in May, 1838, and the daughter of Samuel and
Sarah (Carver) Murray. To their union have been born five children —
Samuel A., Laura A., Mattie F., Lizzie Pearl and Millard. Mr. Fisher
and wife are members of the German Baptist Church, and in politics he
is a Republican.
GEORGE W. FRIDAY was born in Stark County, Ohio, February
22, 1841, one of the seven children, two now living, of George W. and
Susanna (Beard) Friday, both natives of Pennsylvania, but early immi-
grants of Ohio, where the senior Friday laid out the town of Canton, on
land entered by himself Afterward, he went to several points, and en-
tered into various kinds of business until 1871, when he came to Idaville
and engaged in general merchandising a few years, and then retired to a
farm, where he died in 1878, aged sixty-four. After receiving a fair
literary and commercial education, our subject joined his father in mer-
I
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THI NSW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
AST
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 313
chandising at Lockport, this State, for three years, and then removed to
Kentland and did business on his own account, from the fall of 1868 till
the beginning of 1870. He then returned to Lockport and again joined
his father for a year, and then for two years was in business for himself,
when a break in the canal caused him a total loss of his property, and in
1873 he came to Idaville, empty-handed, and began common labor.
Eighteen months later, he took a position in Capt. Snyder's store ; then
clerked for John G. Timmons, then for Milan Carson and then for Will-
iam Davis. He then moved on his father's farm, which he had purchased
with savings from his salary. After a short time, he again engaged with
Mr. Snyder for eighteen months at Monticello, and then joined William
Davis, of Idaville, in the purchase of the stock of goods belonging to J.
G. Timmons, worth $2,784. This partnership was dissolved in Decem-
ber, 1882, Mr. Friday continuing the business. April 6, 1866, Mr. Fri-
day married Margaret J., daughter of John and Martha Woods, and
born in Ohio January 29, 1844. To this union have been born f)ur
children, of whom two are living — Milan B. and Frederick J.
JOSEP^i GLASGOW was born in Adams County, Ohio, March 6,
1832, but fiom the age of two was reared in Shelby County on a farm.
He is the eldest son and second of the nine children born to Arthur and
Eliza (McCullaugh) Glasgow, natives of Adams County, and of Scotch
and Irish extraction. About 1850, Arthur Glasgow made an overland
trip to California ; remained there until June, 1852, and while on his way
home was attacked by cholera, and died between the Isthmus of Panama
and New York, aged forty-three. Mrs. Eliza Glasgow died in Shelby
County in 1870, aged fifty-eight years. From 1850, Joseph Glasgow
managed the home farm until November 2, 1859, when he was married
to Sarah SoUenberger, the youngest of the seven children born to Daniel
and Esther (Wenger) SoUenberger, and born April 5, 1833. To this
union there were born six children — Jennie, Lizzie, Alma, John F., Josie
and William W. The father of Mrs. Glasgow came to White County in
the fall of 1869, and here died the following year, at the age of seventy-
seven. His widow is yet living, at the age of eighty-three. In June,
1865, Mr. Glasgow came to this township, and purchased 120 acres of
land on Section 19, and is now engaged in farming and stock-rearing.
He is a public-spirited citizen, and was one of the first to get up a peti-
tion for the construction of a public ditch east of the river. Mrs. Glas-
gow is a member of the Protestant Methodist Church.
SAMUEL P. GLASGOW was born in Shelby County, Ohio, De-
cember 17, 1842, and is the sixth in the family born to Arthur and Eliza
Glasgow. He was reared a farmer, and in the spring of 1864 enlisted
in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Indiana Volunteer In-
19
314 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
fantry, under the call for 100-day men. He was discharged in the fall
of 1864, and on his return assumed full charge of the home farm, which
he conducted until the fall of 1870, when he came to this township, locat-
ing on Section 19, where he now owns a highly improved farm of 235
acres. He was married, October 15, 1867, to Jennie E., daughter of
Abraham and Anna Stipp, of Shelby County, Ohio, and born May 20,
1846. To this union have been born four children — Maggie A., Wilda
M., an infant who died unnamed, and James S. Mr. Glasgow is a Re-
publican in politics, and always takes a leading part in home enterprises.
He began life a poor man, but is now one of the well-to-do farmers of the
township.
PERRY GODLOVE was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, June 4,
1832, and is one of the nine children of Joseph and Hannah (Bumgard-
ner) Godlove, natives of Virginia. The family came to Delaware County,
this State, when Perry was but an infant, engaged in farming, and there
the father and mother died in 1859 and 1855 respectively. Of the chil-
dren, only two sons and two daughters survive, and reside in Kansas, with
the exception of our subject. Mr. Godlove was married, May 26, 1855,
to Miss Margaret H. Shaffer, born April 8, 1838, and daughter of John
and Eliza Shaff"er, natives of Pennsylvania. There were born to their
union eight children — Flora E., Emma J., Albert, Ida L., Henry M.,
John E., Frank and Eva. In the fall of 1863, Mr. G. and family came
to this county, where he purchased 440 acres of land, which he has since
increased to 560 acres, all in one body, and valued at |45 to $50 per
acre. In October, 1864, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and
Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged
in July, 1865. In politics, he is a Republican, and he and wife are
members of the Church of God, of which he is a Trustee.
DAVID C. GRAHAM was born in Mifflin County, Penn., March
4, 1823, and is the eldest of the six children born to Enos and Elizabeth
(Criswell) Graham, natives of the same State. David C. Graham was
reared a farmer, but at his majority began teaching school, having chosen
that as a profession. At the end of four years, however, he concluded to
come West. In 1852, he married Miss Mary J. Pecht, of Mifflin County,
the daughter of Frederick and Sarah (Crissman) Pecht, and born March
24, 1831. To this marriage have been born five children — Sarah E.,
Sidney W., Frank L., Robert 0. and Samuel L. Mr. Graham had passed
a summer in this county in 1848, but did not come to reside permanently
until May, 1852, when he located on Section 22, where he remained three
years, and then returned East, remaining ten years, and then coming
back to Burnettsville. In politics, he is a Democrat, and his wife is a
member of the Church of Christ.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 315
JOSEPH L. HALL, of the firm of Hall, Barns & Co., was born in
Ohio December 81, 1844, and is the son of William and Elizabeth
(Quimby) Hall, natives of New York State. The family came to this
county in 1850, locating on a farm in Liberty Township, where the
father died. Two years later the mother married William Conwell, and
removed to La Porte County, and thence to Southwestern Illinois, where
they passed the remainder of their lives. At the age of thirteen, Joseph
L. Hall was compelled to take care of himself, and when seventeen, en-
listed in Company D, Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was
mustered into service at Indianapolis, in June, 1862, and his first fight
was at Richmond, Ky., where he was taken prisoner, but soon after re-
ceived a parole, and rejoined his company at Indianapolis. His next en-
gagement was at Vicksburg ; then followed Jackson, Missionary Ridge,
Resaca, Dallas, New Hope, Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek,
Atlanta, Jonesboro, Savannah, Columbus and Raleigh. He received his
discharge in June, 1865, when he returned to this county and engaged
in farming on rented land. .He was married, October 9. 1866, to Miss
Nancy Price, a native of White County, and born in October, 1843. To
this union were born six children, two now living — John T. and Aaron
J. In the fall of 1880, Mr. Hall moved to Yeoman, Carroll County, and
engaged in merchandising ten months ; then moved his stock to Idaville,
where he did business on his own account until September, 1882, when he
sold two-thirds of his interest, and formed his present copartnership. Mr.
H. is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and is a Democrat.
JOHN HANNAH was born in Greene County, Ohio, December 14,
1810, and is the son of Robert and Elizabeth Hannah, natives of Penn-
sylvania. At the age of twenty, he rented land and farmed until Novem-
ber, 1834, when he came to this county and entered 120 acres, and made
his home with his father (who had come here in 1833) until he had made
some improvements. November 27, 1838, he married Miss Margaret,
daughter of William and Mary Gibson, who came from Greene County,
Ohio, to this township in 1834. To his marriage were born eleven chil-
dren, of whom six are living — Mary E., Lucinda, Isabel J., Margaret,
John W. and William H. Mrs. Hannah died October 4, 1882, aged
sixty-three years. In 1865, Mr. Hannah rented his fiirm and moved to
Burnettsville, where he bought a stock of groceries and other goods, and
conducted business until 1871, when he traded his goods and village
property for the Dale farm, south of town. On this he lived until the
June following, when he moved to Idaville, and again engaged in mer-
chandising until the fall of 1863, when he exchanged stocks with Perry
Gates, of Burnettsville, at which point he did business until December,
1877, when he traded his goods for a farm of 160 acre^ in Cass Town-
316 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ship, on which he lived until 1880. He then resided in Burnettsville
two years, and returned to the farm he had originally entered, where he
lives in retirement with his youngest son. Mr. Hannah is one of the
oldest and most useful citizens of Jackson. He was present at the first
election in the township, and was one of the first petit jurors of the
county. He assisted in building the first schoolhouse, and has done as
much as any man for the building up of Burnettsville.
ANDREW HANNAH was born in Greene County, Ohio, May 6,
1816, and was the fourth of the eight children born to Robe' t and Eliza-
beth Hannah, natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky, and of Irish ex-
traction. Andrew was reared a farmer. He came with his father to this
county in 1833, and settled in what was afterward known as Jackson
Township, being the third or fourth permanent settler. He was present
at the first town meeting, and cast the only Whig vote polled. His first
Presidential vote was given for Gen. Harrison in 1840, but on the forma-
tion of the Republican party he joined its ranks. He came to his pres-
ent home in the spring of 1841. December 5, 1887, he married Miss
Jane, the daughter of Thomas and Phoebe Barnes, natives of Ohio, who
came to this county in 1834. To this union were born eight children, of
whom only three grew to maturity. Mrs. Hannah died March 9, 1855.
The same spring, Mr. Hannah married Margaret, the daughter of John
and Lovina (Schora) Dimmit, and born in Pennsylvania April 15, 1827.
To this union were born seven children, six of whom are still living —
Adam F., Gilbert C, Joseph, Gillespie, Mary A. and Maggie E. Mr.
Hannah is now the second oldest resident of this township, and owns
upward of 900 acres of land. In 1875, he founded a sect known
as Reformed Presbyterians, with a membership of forty-five, and from
his own funds erected a church edifice which cost about $2,000, and has
contributed about $400 annually to the support of the church ever since.
Mr. Hannah has served as County Commissioner one term, and was re-^
nominated, but, refusing to be led by the county ring, was defeated for
a second term.
PATRICK HAYS was born in Ireland March 3, 1843, and when
but two years of age was brought by his parents to America, landing in
Canada, but soon coming to the States. Early in 1861, Mr. Hays fixed
upon Medarysville as a home. In August of the same year, he enlisted
in Company C, Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was as-
signed to Gen. A. M. D. McCook's division in the Army of the Cum-
berland. His first fight was at Shiloh, after which he was promoted to
Fifth Sergeant. After the siege of Corinth, he was made First Sergeant.
He was next at Stone River, Lavarne, Triune, Liberty Gap and Chicka-
mauga, in the last being struck by bullets three times inside of twenty
JACKSON TOAVN.SITIP. 317
minutes, one minie ball passing through his left thigh. After three
weeks' treatment in the hospital at Nashville, he carae home on a thirty
days' furlough. At the end of this time, being still disabled, he was
commissioned Recruiting Sergeant, and enlisted twenty-one men. He
rejoined his regiment in May, 1864, at Chattanooga, and was commis-
sioned First Lieutenant. He veteranized at this time, and in November,
186 4, was promoted to a Captaincy. In December, 1865, he was honor-
ably discharged, and then came to Idaville, where he worked at shoe-
making for some time. He then engaged in merchandising, and then in
farming, and. has met with success, having a neat home and eighty-three
acres of well cultivated land. Mr, Hays was married, January 25, 1870,
to Miss Loretta Irelan, who was born December 15, 1846. He is a
Democrat, and in the spring of 1882 was elected Road Supervisor. He
is a member of the G. A. R., and his wife is a member of the Church of
God.
HENRY HEINY, of the firm of Heiny & Good, is a native of
Wayne County, Ind., was born in 1838, and is the fifth of the eleven chil-
dren born to Benjamin and Elizabeth (Lantz) Heiny, natives of Penn-
sylvania. The family came to Carroll County, Ind., at an early day,
and there the father died in 1861, aged sixty-one years. Henry Heiny
was reared on a farm until sixteen years of age, when he began the car-
penter's trade, which he followed until his enlistment, July 20, 1862, in
the Seventy-second Mounted Infantry, then known as the Lightning
Brigade. He served under Gen. Thomas, and was at Hoover's Gap,
Flat Shoals, Ga., Rome, Chickamauga, Ebenezer Church, Selraa, Colum-
bia, etc., and his company was the first to enter Macon, Ga. He received
his final discharge at Indianapolis July 6, 1865. On his return, he
developed a farm in Adams /Township, Carroll County, two and a half
miles south of Idaville, which he still makes his home. In the spring of
1882, he engaged in the agricultural implement trade in Idaville, and
in the following July received Mr. Good as partner. The firm now carry
a full line of implements and agricultural machinery. Mr. Heiny was
married, in 1873, to Miss Sai'ah Jane, daughter of David and Deborah
(Hobson) Coble. To this union have been born two children — Flora E.
and Elmore E. Mr. H. is a Republican, and a member of I. 0. (). F.
Lodge. No. 506.
JOSEPH HENDERSON was born in Juniata County, Penn., May
16, 1841, and is the son of Andrew and Martha (Harris) Henderson.
The family came to this county in 1853, and shortly after arrival Mrs.
Henderson died, leaving ten children. Her husband died in the fall of
1855, while on a visit to a son in Jasper County, aged fifty-four years.
Joseph Henderson lived with John Hannah and then with Andrew
318 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Hannah until October 10, 1861, when he enlisted in Company C,
Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry ; he joined his regiment at
New Madrid, and a few days later was in the fight at Tiptonville ;
then at Fort Pillow, Memphis, where his regiment was the first
to enter the city ; thence he was sent to Helena, and after an ex-
pedition up the White River, was taken sick and was granted a fur-
lough ; he rejoined his regiment near Fort Pemberton, took part in the
Vicksburg campaign, witnessed the bombardment of Port Gibson, and
was Avounded by a mini^ ball at Champion's Hill. At Madison, he was
taken prisoner, but soon exchanged ; he joined his company at New
Iberia, and at New Orleans re-enlisted for three years or during the war ;
he was in the Red River expedition, and at the battle of Sabine Cross
Roads was wounded in the left arm. After leaving the hospital at New
Orleans, he re-joined the army at Anderson, Ky. At Lexington, he was
promoted First Lieutenant, and three months later to a Captaincy. At
the close of the war, he was honorably discharged — September 4, 1865.
August 21, 1866, he married Miss Adeline, daughter of John M. and
Elizabeth (Burns) Carson, of Idaville, ! orn February 23, 1847. To this
union were born four children — Minnie B., Lizzie E., John M. and Elsie
L. (deceased). Mr. H. is a successful farmer; he is a Republican, and
he and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church.
LYMAN W. HENRY, M. D., was born in Massachusetts Febru-
ary 26, 1817, and is one of eight children born to William and Rhoda
(Davison) Henry. He was reared on a farm, and also learned carpenter-
ing. In the fall of 1839, in Crawford County, Penn., he began the
study of medicine under Dr. Robins, and two years later began practicing.
In 1845, he located at Centerville, Ohio, and read one year with Dr.
Hewitt. In 1846, he came to this county and settled on the present
site of Burnettsville. On the 12th of December, that year, he received
his first call in the new location, and from that time until the spring of
1848 was kept busy in his practice; he then returned to Pennsylvania,
where he remained three years, recruiting his health ; he next passed a
year in Mayville, Wis., and then came back to Burnettsville, and is now
enjoying an extensive and lucrative practice ; he has been three times
married — first, December 20, 1839, to Miss Hannah Perry, who was
born in Canada July 30, 1820, and who bore him one son, Edgar B.,
ow a druggist at Burnettsville. His second marriage, November 29,
1865, was to Nancy Smith, who was born in Cincinnati, April 8, 1829.
July 16, 1868, he married Rebecca (Adwell) Ball, daughter of William
Adwell, and born in Virginia December 16, 1831. To this union has
been born one daughter, Mary Ella. Dr. Henry has filled the ofiices of
Coroner, Township Trustee, Secretary of Board of Health and Corpora-
tion Trustee, and he and wife are Seventh-Day Adventists.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 319
E. R. HERMAN was born in Miami County, Ohio, February 15,
1831, and is the second eldest of the eleven children born to Franklin J.
and Mary A. (Robbins) Herman, natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania
respectively. Franklin J. Herman and family came to this township in
1839, and located forty acres ; he served as Justice of the Peace for
twenty-five years, and died February 10, 1861 ; his widow still resides
'On the homestead. E. R. Herman, when nineteen years old, began
teaching school, but in 1855 took up law and read until 1861, teaching
school and practicing at intervals. In October, 1861, he enlisted in
Company E, Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was elected First
Lieutenant, and campaigned through Kentucky, Arkansas and Mississippi.
The next spring he resigned his commission, but remained with his com-
pany until July ; then returned and engaged in mercantile pursuits for
three years, and then went to Rochester, Ind., where he followed the
legal profession until the fall of 1881, when he returned to Burnettsville,
to assist in caring for his aged mother. He was married, in 1856, to
Miss Margaret E., daughter of Joseph and Margaret Cullen, born in
White County, September 21, 1831. To this union were born three
children — Mariel D., Alpha and Ashton Floyd. Mr. Herman is a Royal
Arch Mason and a Democrat, and his wife is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
JAMES T. HOWARD was born in Bourbon County, Ky., May 2,
1831, and is one of the eight children of Greenbery and Cynthia (Arra-
smith) Howard, natives of Maryland and Kentucky. Greenbery Howard
brought* his family to this State in 1834, locating in Putnam County,
and he there died March 24, 1869 ; his widow survives him, at the age
of seventy-six years, and resides in Bainbridge. James T. Howard was
reared a farmer, and in September, 1869, he came to this township and
located on his present farm of 112 acres, part of which is included within
the corporate limits of Burnettsville. Pie was married, October 17,
1853, to Miss Harriet L. Rankin, who was born in Montgomery County,
Ind., in 1832, and daughter of William and Harriet W. (VVren) Rankin,
both natives of Kentucky. To this union nine children have been born,
of whom seven are living — Emily E., Harriet B., Martha J., Anna E.,
Mary E., Simpson and William W. Those dead were named Cynthia
and Elmer. Mr. Howard has served as Town Councilman of Burnetts-
ville, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
A. H. IRELAN was born in Carroll County, Ind., in 1837, and was
one of nine children born to William and Lucinda (Hannah) Irelan,
natives respectively of Kentucky and Ohio. In 1834, William Irelan
came from Greene County, Ohio, and settled in Carroll County, this
State ; lived there fourteen years ; then came to this township and im-
320 _ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
proved eighty acres of land, on a part of which was subsequently laid the
original plat of Burnettsville ; four years later, he moved to the south of
Idaville, where he bought and improved 100 acres of land; later, he
returned to Burnettsville, where he kept hotel two years, and then removed
to Carroll County, where he died September 8, 1855. His widow resides
in Idaville. at an advanced age. A. H. Irelan was reared a farmer, and
at the age of fifteen began work on his own account. In 1863, he moved
to Idaville, thence to Minnesota, and a year later came back to Burnetts-
ville. In October, 1864, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and
Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged
July 17, 1865. On his return, he engaged in farming, and in May,
1880, began merchandising. He was married September 13, 1857, to
Miss Nancy Heiny, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Lantz) Heiny, of
Carroll County, Ind. Six children were born to this marriage, of whom
two are now living — Claudius D. and Singer B.
HENRY JOHNSONBAUGH was born in Pennsylvania January
14, 1810, and is the fourth of the six children of Frederick and Eva
(Shafer) Johnsonbaugh, of German descent. He was reared on a farm
until he was fifteen, when he was apprenticed to a shoe-maker, whom he
served three years, and then opened a shop of his own. In 1831, he came
to Wayne County, Ind.; located near Germantown ; worked awhile at his
trade, and then, for six years, worked in a still-house, earning sufficient
money to purchase fifty-four acres of land at $11 per acre ; this land he
sold in the fall of 1856 for $48 per acre, and then came to this township
and purchased 100 acres of his present farm. He was married Novem-
ber 30, 1836, to Miss Christina, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Shafer)
Condo, and born in Pennsylvania December 13, 1816. To this union
were born eleven children, seven now living — Elizabeth, Matilda, Ira,
John, Sanford, Susan E. and Emma E. Mr. Johnsonbaugh has served
as Township Trustee five years, and has filled several minor offices.
He has been called upon to act as Administrator for several estates, and
has given thorough satisfaction in every instance. He joined the
Lutheran Church when but twenty years of age, and is still a member ;
his wife is a member of the Baptist Church.
DR. A. B. JONES was born in North Carolina October 27, 1825,
where he attended school and learned the carpenter's trade and cabinet-
making; at these trades he worked until 1857. He was of a roving dis-
position, and traveled through many States during his early manhood.
His first business venture was near Georgetown, Ky., where he purchased
a set of artesian well tools, with which he worked one year. He resided
afterward in Southern Indiana, then in Missouri, where he began the
study of medicine with his brother in 1857, continuing until 1860, when
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 321
he joined his parents near Greenville, Tenn. In 1861, he moved to
Georgetown, Ind., wher'e he entered into practice. He was married,
June 30, 1864, to Maggie R., daughter of James Gordon, of Cass County.
In 1863, he came to Burnettsville, this township, and in September, 1865,
moved to Francesville, Pulaski County, where his wife died in February,
1866. Soon after this event, the Doctor sold out and, in July, 18o6,
located in Idaville, where he remained one year; then moved to Lincoln-
ville, Wabash County. In 1868, he came to Burnettsville, where he
now has a large practice. December 1, 1871, he married Mrs. Loretta
(McClure) Hawkins, of Wabash, Ind., whose great-grandfather's school
the Doctor had attended two terms. In 1879-80, the Doctor improved
his studies by attending lectures at the Indiana Medical College, and also
attended a special course at the Central College of Physicians and Sur-
geons in 1882-83.
J. M. LOVE, of the firm of J. M. Love & Bro., was born in Carroll
County, Ind., December 5, 1845, and is the eldest of the seven children
born to William and Deborah (Cochran) Love, natives respectively of
Missouri and South Carolina. J. M. Love was reared a farmer, and
attended school until nineteen, when he began teaching. In 1869, he
formed a copartnership with J. W. Wimer in mercantile trade. Febru-
ary 15, 1881, Mr. Wimer withdrew, and Mr. Love continued alone, and
is now doing a business of from $15,000 to $20,000 per annum, handling
general merchandise and buying all kinds of grain. He is also one of
the firm of D. L. Fisher & Co., agricultural implement dealers at Bur-
nettsville. He was married, November 24, 1868, to Miss Catherine
Barnes, of Carroll County, and the daughter of W. A. and Nancy
(Karr) Barnes, both natives of Ohio. To this marriage have been born
three children — Cora, Jennie and a son now deceased. Mr. Love is a
Republican, and has filled the office of School Board Treasurer for the
past six years.
JOHN W. McAllister was bom in Jefferson County, Ind., July
9, 1840, and is one of the nine children of Alexander and Eliza (Raw-
lings) McAllister, natives respectively of Kentucky and Louisiana. Mr.
McA. was reared a farmer and lived at home until the fall of 1861, when
he enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for one
year. August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Eighty-second In-
diana Volunteer Infantry, for three years, or during the war, and was
honorably discharged in June, 1865. At Atlanta, in 1864, he was com-
missioned First Lieutenant, and was placed in command of a company
in the Twenty-third regiment from Missouri, but in the same brigade.
During all his time of service, he was on active duty, and was never once
injured or called for hospital relief. On his return, he engaged in the
322 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
drug business for three years at Dupont, and was then occupied with
other pursuits until 1874, when he came to this township and re-engaged
in the drug trade at Idaville, where he has been doing a prosperous busi-
ness ever since. He has given the study of medicine some attention, and
during the term of 1879-80, attended a course of lectures at the Indiana
Medical College. Mr. McA. was married in 1875 to Miss Hattie Gib-
son, born in Idaville January !, 1852, and daughter of Cyrus and Mattie
S. (Droke) Gibson, natives of Tennessee. Mr. McA. is a Republican, an
Odd Fellow, and Treasurer of the Building Committee that has charge of
Odd Fellows' Hall, now in process of erection at Idaville. Mrs. McA. is
a member of the United Presbyterian Church. Alexander McAllister
became a resident of Jefferson County, Ind., in 1812, was there mar-
ried, and there died at the age of seventy-four.
DAVID McCONAHAY was born in Bourbon County, Ky., Janu-
ary 5, 1817, and moved with his father to Rush County in 1829, then to
this county in the fall of 1833, but after a short sojourn returned to Rush
County, where David remained until 1835, when he came back to this
county, locating in Big Creek Township. He taught the first school in
what is now known as Liberty Township for eight terms. October 15,
1840, he married Miss Sarah, daughter of James and Rebecca (Boyd)
Grose, born in this State August 15, 1825. He had born to him seven
children, of whom three are now living — Rebecca J., Mai-y L. and Sarah
M, In August, 1848, Mr. McC. moved to this township and entered
eighty acres of land, on which he resided twenty-seven years. He
started in life a poor man, but by industry has acquired a competence,
owning 124 acres of land and village lots valued at upward of |2,000.
He now lives in retirement. At the age of fifteen, he joined the Metho-
dist Church, but in 1850 changed to the Christian Church, of which his
wife is also a member. He was soon licensed to preach, and in 1853 was
ordained. He performed his clerical duties faithfully over twenty years,
when failing health compelled him to withdraw. He is a Democrat in
politics, and was elected County Assessor in 1849-50, and has since served
as Township Trustee two terms and Assessor one term. He is an Odd
Fellow and charter member of Lodge No. 556. His parents were James
and Lovina McConahay, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Mary-
land, and of Scotch-Irish and German extraction.
WILLIAM McCORKLE was born in Schuylkill County, Penn.,
February 19, 1844, and is the youngest of the six children of William
and Elizabeth (Froltz) McCorkle, natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania.
William McCorkle, when a mere child, was taken by his widowed mother
to Lebanon County, where he attended school at intervals until fifteen,
when he entered an apprenticeship of two years at blacksmithing. Sep-
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 323
tember 5, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Fourth Pennsylvania Volun-
teer Cavalry, for three years, and was placed under Gen. Sheridan in the
army of the Potomac, and his first fight was at Kelly's Ford ; he was met
at Richmond in the seven day's fight. , On the seventh day, at Malvern
Hill, Mr. McC. wassunstruck, and for four weeks was not fit for duty ; at the
battle of Antietam, he was wounded slightly by a small piece of shell ;
later, he was placed under Gen. Burnside, and was at the fights of Fred-
ericksburg and Chancellorsville ; then at Gettysburg and then at Peters-
burg. He was veteranized January 1, 1864, at Bristow Station, Va., re-
enlisting for three years, or during the war, and received his second
discharge July 1, 1865, at Lynchburg, Va,, and was mustered out at
Pittsburgh, Penn. On his return home, he entered the shop which he had
left in 1861, then went with his employer for a short time to Martins-
burg, Va., and October 18, 1865, came to Monticello, where, for awhile,
he worked at his trade and afterward engaged in the saloon business for
a short time. November 15, 1866, fe married Miss Margaret D. Howie,
a native of Scotland and born in 1845. To this union, there has been
born one child — Jennie. Mr. McC. disposed of his saloon and absented
himself from the county for several years. In the fall of 1872, he re-
turned and engaged in various occupations until the spring of 1882, when
he entered into partnership with Robert Jones, and they are now running
the only blacksmith shop in town. Mr. McC. is a Republican, and has
served as School Trustee : he is an Odd Fellow and a member of the G.
A. R., and he and wife are members of the Church of God.
STEPHEN MARVIN was born in Jennings County, Ind., June 26,
1826, and is one of the twelve children of Delancey and Lydia (Albert)
Marvin, both natives of New York State. Delancey Marvin came to the
southern part of this State in 1817, remained a short time and then
moved to Kentucky, where he lived eighteen years and then returned to
Jennings County, where he and wife are yet living, aged respectively
eighty-eight and eighty-five years. Stephen Marvin learned shoemaking
of his father, and when but thirteen years old made two pairs of shoes in
a day. He became an expert, and has made his own pegs and completed
five pairs of shoes between sun and sun. In 1843, he married Maria J.
Childs, who was born in Jennings County, Ind., in 1826, and is the
daughter of John and Nancy (Baker) Childs, both natives of Kentucky.
To this union have been born eleven children — Sarah J. (deceased), Henry
D., Nancy A., John G., William T., Lottie, Emma E., Frances M.,
Charles, George F. and Oscar 0. In 1862, Mr. Marvin came to this
township and settled on part of the land entered by his father in 1833,
and here has superintended his farm and worked at his trade ever since.
Mr. Marvin, with his son, William T., is the inventor of a draft equalizer.
324 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
and has now an application in for a patent for a boot with only one seam
(cut to save crimping), and also for a shoe back without seam and cut
to fit the ankle.
DANIEL A. MERTZ was born in Mifflin County, Penn., July 31,
1836, and is the son of Philip and Lydia (Showers) Mertz, natives of
Pennsylvania. Philip Mertz. a resident now of this State, is upward of
seventy-seven years of age ; his wife died April 18, 1882, aged sixty-nine
years. Daniel A. Mertz was reared on a farm until eighteen years old,
and then was apprenticed to a carriage and wagon-maker, whom he served
nearly three years, and afterward ran a shop of his own for twelve years.
He was married, December 24, 1863, to Miss Sarah, one of the thirteen
children born to John and Mary (Sansman) Sieber, and born in Juniata
County Penn., December 24, 1835. To this union were born five chil-
dren — Edward S., John P. (deceased), David F., William M. and Charles
Milton. In 1864, Mr. Mertz came to this township, and located the farm
on which he now lives ; but during the first three years followed his trade
in Burnettsville, meanwhile overseeing his farm. He has now 120 acres,
well improved, with good buildings, which are worth upward of |3,000.
The father of Mrs. Mertz died in January, 1867 ; her mother is still liv-
ing, at the age of eighty-one, on the old homestead in Juniata County^
Penn. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mertz are members of the German Baptist
Church.
FRANK M. MILLION was born in this township, on Section 24,
June 19, 1841, and is the son of Ephraim and Martha (Ellmore) Million,
who came to this township in the fall of 1839. The father was killed by
a runaway team in 1847 ; the mother still survives, at the age of seventy-
two. Frank M. was reared a farmer, and hired a portion of the old farm,
which he tilled until 1865, when he purchased forty acres of wild land.
A few years later he exchanged this land for 104 acres in the southwest
quarter of Section 13, on which he now lives. This property he subse-
quently exchanged for goods, and for .a year engaged in merchandising
in Burnettsville, and then re-exchanged, increased the farm, sold 120
acres, and still retains 120 acres. In 1860, Mr. M. engaged in the pump,
and afterward in the tubular well business ; he is also selling the wind
engine manufactured by B. S. Williams & Co., of Kalamazoo, and the
Stover engine. He was married, October 4, 1860, to Miss Katie E.
Hoagland, born in Onondaga County, N. Y., April 7, 1842, and
daughter of Abraham and Cornelia Hoagland, natives of the same State.
To this union there have been born six children — Charlie, Leona, Floyd^
Randolph, Marilla and Frank. The two last-named are dead. Mr. Mill-
ion is a Democrat in politics, and has served as Township Assessor four
terms, and was also elected County Land Appraiser, but the office wa&
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 325
abolished before the time arrived for his incumbency. He and wife are
members of the Church of God.
MRS. PLUMEA (PERRY) PALMER was born in Stanstead, Can-
ada, November 18. 1822, and is the (kughter of Luke and Irena (Patrick)
Perry, both natives of Vermont, and of English and English-Irish ex-
traction. The parents moved to Canada about the year 1800, where they
reared a family of eleven children, and where the father died in 1850.
The mother subsequently joined her children in this county, and here
died about 18G0, aged seventy-three. Mrs, Pluraea Palmer began school
teaching at home in 1840, and next taught at Waterford, N. Y.; next
at Meadville, Crawford Co., Penn., for seven years. At the last-named
place, she was married, in 1847, to Rev. Truman Palmer, who was then
a student. The fall of the same year, he united with the Indiana M.
E. Conference ; was located in Allen County, later in Steuben County,
and then in La Grange County, where he died January 14, 1851. Soon
after this event, Mrs. Palmer moved to South Bend, where she first
taught a private school, and then for a year in the graded school. In
the fall of 1852, she moved with her little family to Burnettsville, where
she continued in her profession. It is more than likely that she has
taught more terms than any other teacher in White County, having
taught in the old court house at Monticello, a number of select schools
there, and in Lockport, Carroll County, and the graded school at Bur-
nettsville, her last term ending in the summer of July, 1879. Mrs.
Palmer is the mother of two children — Truman F., an attorney at Mon-
ticello, and Emma A., a teacher in the high school at the same place.
URIAH PATTON was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, August
1, 1823, and is one of the ten children born to Thomas and Mary
(Horine) Patton, natives of Maryland, and born respectively January 17,
1789, and March 4, 1791. The parents settled in Montgomery County
in 1816, and moved thence to Cilrroll County, Ind., in 1835, where the
father died in 1855, aged sixty-six, and the mother in 1838, aged forty-
seven. Uriah Patton was reared as a former in Carroll County, and there
attended the pioneer school at intervals until twenty-one, when he en-
tered 120 acres of his present farm in this township. He was married,
January 3, 1847, to Miss Susan, daughter of John and Catharine (Han-
nawalt) Nearhoof, and born in Huntingdon County, Penn., September
25, 1825. To this union were born nine children, six now living —
Isaac, Jerusha, Lovina, Perry, Levi and Margaret A. Those deceased
are William (aged twenty-three years), Monroe (aged thirteen months),
and an infant unnamed. Mr. Patton is the owner of a farm of 280
acres, under a good state of cultivation. He lost his dwelling by fire
April 18, 1880, and on the 23d of June following moved into his present
326 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
house, which cost him $1,200. Mr. and Mrs. Patton joined the Church
of God in 1850, and in the spring of 1855 Mr. P. was chosen a minister,
and has since been preaching regularly — the first few years riding a cir-
cuit of fifty miles — and has never received a dollar for his services. He
is a Republican, and has filled the office of Township Trustee.
WILLIAM H. PRICE was born in this township May 17, 1847,
and is the son of Aaron and Mary (Hancock) Price, natives of Ohio.
The parents came to this township in 1845, and settled two and a half
miles northeast of Idaville, where they lived thirty years, and then
moved to Idaville, where the father died January 30, 1882. The mother
survives at the age of sixty-six. William H. Price was reared a farmer,
and was married, January 1, 1867, to Miss Mahala C. Shull, born in this
township October 5, 1848, and daughter of Louis and Clementine (York)
Shull, natives of Ohio. To this union were born seven children, of
whom five are living — Burley G., Aaron, Alonzo-W., Harlan H. and
Gracie L. After marriage, Mr. Price farmed on rented land for six
years, and then purchased eighty acres on Section 10, which he has
redeemed and improved with substantial buildings. Mr, Price is a
Democrat in politics, and he and wife are members of the Church of
God.
J. T. REIFF was born in Chester County, Penn., September 18,
1832, and is the third of the ten children born to Christian and Eliza-
beth (Titelow) Reiff, both natives of Pennsylvania. Christian ReiiF is
the inventor of a clover huller, which for years has held a leading position,
and he is also the patentee of a combined grain thresher and clover huller.
For many years he was at the head of the C. H. Reiff" Manufacturing
Company, Union County, Penn., which closed operations in 1878. He
now resides in Carroll County, Ind., aged seventy-nine years. J. T.
Reiff" assisted his father at farming and manufacturing until 1861 ; then
ran a tannery at McVeytown, Penn., for eighteen months; then returned
to his father's factory near Hartleton, Penn,, and kept the accounts until
1868 : then ran a tannery at Hartleton until 1870, when he sold and
accompanied his father to Tennessee, and two years later came to this
county, and the following spring bought his present farm of 200 acres,
on which he has erected new buildings and a wind engine, and a bank
barn 40x80 feet, containing fifty windows, being the second largest in
the county. His real estate is worth about $12,000 and his personal
property about |2,000. He was married, May 3, 1859, to Miss Eliza-
beth, the daughter of David and Esther Kleckner, and born in Pennsyl-
vania October 18, 1834, and by this union became the father of six
children, of whom three are still living — Milton K., Lillie J. (wife of
Frank Fisher), and Mary Emma (wife of Philip Amick). Mr. Reiff" is
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 327
a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Conservative Branch
of the German Baptist Church, of wliich he was chosen Deacon in 1874.
ALEXANDER ROGERS was born in Juniata County, Penn., No-
vember 25, 1812, and is one of the nine children born to Matthew and
Mary (Kennedy) Rogers, natives of the same State. He was reared a
farmer, joined the Reformed Presbyterian Church in 1835, and in the
fall of that year started West, locating at Logansport, where, for ten
years, he worked at carpentering. He then bought an interest in the
house of A. Rogers & Co., merchants, and continued therein until 1854.
In 1836 he returned to Pennsylvania and married Miss Susanna Thomp-
son, daughter of Peter and Mary Thompson. Mrs. Rogers died Novem-
ber 30, 1852, leaving five children — Theophilus P., Alpheus K., Margaret
E., Alphonso T. and Alfred A. Three of these brothers served in the
late war, and all four are now engaged in business atTopeka, Kan., under
the firm name of Rogers Bros. Alexander Rogers was married Septem-
ber 29, 1853, to Miss Isabella Erskin, of Washington County, Penn.,
who died in October, 1856, leaving two children — David F. and Isabella
V. Mr. Rogers married his present wife January 31, 1857 ; this lady
was Miss Elizabeth Johnson, of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Mr. R. then
engaged in mercantile trade in Logansport until 1859, when he came to
Idaville and occupied the first dwelling in the town, which he has occu-
pied ever since. In conjunction with his merchandising, he holds the
agency of the railroad company; he was the first Postmaster of the town,
is a Republican and a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church ;
his wife is a Baptist.
SAMUEL ROYER was born in Centre County, Penn., September
23, 1829, and is the eldest of the eight children born to Jonathan and
Anna (Shaffer) Royer, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father died
about 1848, and Samuel was left to his own resources. He had been
reared a farmer, but now apprenticed himself for one year to a black-
smith, and then opened a shop for himself near Etna Hall, which he con-
ducted until 1865, when, having accumulated $4,000, he came with his
family to this county and purchased his present farm of 155 acres for
$4,200. For the first two years, he was unfortunate, sinking over f 2,-
000 through failure of crops, but he has long since regained his loss and
added forty acres to his farm, having now 195 acres. He was married,
in 1853, to Miss Hannah Shaffer, who was born in Centre County, Penn.,
July 1, 1830, and is the youngest of the twelve children born to John
and Sarah (Kern) Shaffer, both natives of Pennsylvania. To this union
there have been born eight children — Jonathan F., Sarah A., John S.,
Samuel A., Mary C, Ida M., Emma P. (deceased) and Ellis S. In poli-
tics, Mr. Royer is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the
Church of God.
328 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
JOHN D. SCROGGS was born in Blount County, Tenn., October
10, 1820, and is the eldest of the six children of David and Margaret
(Delzell) Scroggs, natives respectively of North Carolina and Tennessee.
The family came to Putnam County, this State, in 1831, moved to Car-
roll County in 1832, and thence moved to this county in 1836, and lo-
cated on land which the father had previously entered. The elder Mr.
Scrogg3 was, in his days here, the only blacksmith between Burnettsville
and Monticello ; he died here in December, 1874, preceded by his wife in
about 1848. John D. Scroggs was reared a farmer, and at the age of
twenty began life by cutting wood, splitting rails and getting out square
timber. This he continued until March, 1847, when he purchased the
farm where he now lives. He was married, March 27, 1851, to Maria,
daughter of John Gibson, and born in Ohio. In February, 1852, Mrs.
Gibson died, and December 6, 1856, Mr. Scroggs married Eliza C. Car-
son, who died in April, 1860. November 19, 1860, Mr. Scroggs married
Mrs. Margaret (Duncan) Delzell, and she died in April, 1875, leaving a
family of four children — David, Susan A., Margaret E. (deceased) and
Joseph A. Mr. Scroggs is a Democrat and and a member of the United
Presbyterian Church. He owns eighty acres of good land, well cultivated
and earned through his own industry and energy.
GIDEON E. SCROGGS was born in Putnam County, Ind., August
15, 1832, and is the youngest of the six children born to David and
Margaret (Delzell) Scroggs, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee.
The family came to this county about the year 1836, and here Gideon E.
was reared to farming and educated at the subscription schools. In
1856, he married Miss Margaret Beard, who was born in Greene County,
Ohio, January 20, 1832, the daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Currie)
Beard, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Mr. Beard came to Cass
County, this State, in 1836, and thence to this township in 1840, locating
on the farm where Mr. Scroggs now lives, and here died September 24,
1853 ; his widow yet survives him at the age of eighty-four years, March
17, 1883. From his marriage until the fall of 1861, Mr. Scroggs resided
in Union Township ; he then moved to the farm on which he now
lives. He and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church
at Idaville.
JOHN L. SHAFER was born in Wayne County, Ind., March 31,
1834, and is the eldest of the eleven children — three yet living — born to
Daniel and Nancy (Lantz) Shafer, natives of Pennsylvania. Daniel
Shafer came to Wayne County on foot when a young ma», and there
worked in a distillery until 1845. He was married in 1830, and in 1845
moved to Carroll County, locating two miles south of Idaville, White
County, where he lived until 1862, when he moved to Idaville, and then,
m
ASK* A, LHHiiX AN,
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 331
a few years later, moved just north of town, where he died in 1880.
John L. Shafer worked on the home farm until eighteen, and then learned
carpentering. He was married, in October, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth,
daughter of Michael B. Shaver, and born in Indiana in February, 1835.
.This lady became the mother of one daughter, Nancy E., now the wife of
John Kirkpatrick, of Carroll County, Ind. Many of the churches,
schoolhouses, dwellings and barns in the township have been erected
under the plans and supervision of Mr. Shafer, he having become a con-
tractor in 1856. He is a Democrat, a Freemason and a member of the
Church of God, and of the latter his wife is also a member.
JOHN W. SHULL was born in this township October 24, 18-45,
and is the sixth of nine children born to Lewis and Clementina (York)
Shull, natives of Ohio. Lewis ShuU came here in 1835, and here died
July 4, 1853, a member of the Baptist Church ; Mrs. Lewis Shull died
March 22, 1877, aged sixty-two years. John W. Shull assisted on the
home farm until he answered his country's call to arms in the fall of
1863, when he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was assigned to the Army of the Cum-
berland, and was in the Atlanta campaign. At the fight at Franklin,
Tenn., he was wounded in the right foot, and during the war was badly
broken down by exposure and hardship. After the fall of Atlanta, he
was assigned to Gen. Thomas's division, and was honorably discharged
April 19, 1866, when he returned to this township and resumed farming.
March 1, 1867, he married Miss Margaret, daughter of Aaron Price, and
born February 16, 1849. To this marriage were born the following
children, viz.: Ida May, May 13, 1868 ; Ira M., May 16, 1869 ; Mary
C, January 15, 1871 ; Wesley A., September 2, 1873 ; Lola M.. March
29, 1875; two sons who died in infancy; Maggie, September 15, 1878,
and Omar, January 17, 1882. In March, 1872, Mr. Shull moved upon
his present farm on Section 10. He is a Republican, and in 1S75 held
the office of Assessor ; he has also held a number of other minor offices.
He is a member of the G. A. R., and he and his wife are members of the
Church of God.
REV. GILBERT SMALL was born in Washington County, N. Y.,
February 7, 1828, and is the son of James and Mary L. (Robertson)
Small, both natives of the same State, and of Scotch descent. The
mother died while our subject was yet an infant, and he, consequently,
was reared by his maternal grandfather, who brought him up a farmer,
and gave him an academic education. At the age of eighteen, he entered
Union College, at Schenectady, where he studied two years, and then
went to the seminary at Gannonsburg, Penn., studied for the ministry,
and, three years later, was licensed to preach in the Associate Presby-
662 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
terian branch. In 1856, he was settled at North Liberty, Ohio ; thence
was transferred to Indianapolis, and in 1867 came to Idaville, and for
ten years had charge of the United Presbyterian Church. In 1877, he
resigned, and united with the Presbyterian Church, filling vacancies in
the Logansport Presbytery. During 1862-63-64, he filled his minis-
terial appointments and also clerked in the Quartemaster's Department as
transportation clerk. In 1874, he purchased his eighty-seven-acre farm,
on which he still resides. He was married, in 1856, to Miss Hellen A.
Monroe, of Ohio, who bore him one daughter, Mary L., who died at the
age of nineteen. Mr. Small was again married, in the fall of 1858, to
Miss Fanny A. Garrett, daughter of David and Rosina Garrett, and
to this union were boi^n four children — Harry (a physician at Wolcott),
Albert and William (twins), and Stella.
HIRAM SMITH was born in Union County, Penn., October 12,
1839, and is the ninth of the eleven children born to George and Mary
(Buffington) Smith. Hiram lived on the home farm and attended school
until fourteen years of age, and then worked as a farm laborer until
eighteen, when he served an apprenticeship at blacksmithing for eighteen
months, and then for three years worked as a journeyman. In August,
1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-first Penn-
sylvania Volunteer Infantry, for nine months ; served on detailed duty
as blacksmith in the Army of the Potomac, and was discharged at Har-
risburg, leaving his regiment at Fredericksburg, Va. October 29, 1868,
he married Miss Emma J. Mertz, who was born in Union County, Penn.,
July 3, 1888, and was the daughter of Philip and Lydia Mertz. Nine
children were the fruit of this union, five now living, viz., Ella, Laura,
Philip, Ida May and Harry W. Mr. Smith worked at his trade in
Pennsylvania until October, 1864, when he came to Burnettsville, where
he worked for six years, then moved to a farm north of the town, on
which he lived five years, and then returned to town and resumed his
trade. Mr. Smith is a Republican, and has served as Town Treasurer
and Road Supervisor, and he and wife are members of the German Bap-
tist Church.
DANIEL P. SNYDER was born in Carroll County, Ind., May 21,
1837, and is one of the nine children born to John W. and Elizabeth
(Phillips) Snyder, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Snyder was reared
a farmer, but in the fall of 1856, began learning the carpenter's trade,
and also wagon-making. In the fall of 1861, he enlisted in Company A,
Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry ; served under Grant at Grand
Gulf and St. Charles ; was shot in the left leg, May, 1863, at Port Gibson ;
was for nine months incapacitated for active service, and was mus-
tered out December 1, 1864. On his return, he resumed his trade; in
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 333
1869, he went to New Orleans, and worked there until 1873; then came
back to Stockwell, and in August, 1876, came to Idaville, where he is
conducting a wagon factory. He was married, December 27, 1860, to
Miss Sarah A. Perrigo, who was born in White County September 11,
1839, one of twelve children of Acea C. and Anna (Moore) Perrigo, na-
tives of Virginia and Ohio. Mr. Snyder is an Odd Fellow, and he and
wife members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
H. S. STINE was born in Lehigh County, Penn., April 17, 1836.
He came to this State in 1850, and lived in Wabash County until 1859,
and thence came to this county, and taught school each successive winter
until 1867, with one exception — 1863-64; during the summers, he en-
gaged in farm work. In 1866, he started the nursery business in this
vicinity, and has been actively employed ever since in supplying the home
demand. In 1867, he established the first insurance agency in Burnetts-
ville, representing the Etna and Hartford. In the same year, he was com-
missioned a Notary Public, and he was also for one year engaged in mer-
chandising in Burnettsville. In the fall of 1878, he began buying and
shipping hogs to the Chicago market, and while thus engaged narrowly
escaped death by the collision of two trains, near Crown Point, in 1881.
In 1860, he married Miss Isabel J. Hannah, the daughter of John Han-
nah, born July 5, 1835, and to this union were born eight children, of
whom six are still living — Maggie G., John H., Albert, Harry, Andrew
and William M. Mr. Stine is a public-spirited citizen, and is one of the
oldest members of the Masonic Lodge at Monticello.
A. C. TAM was born in Carroll County, Ind., April 8, 1843, and is
the son of Stephen and Mary Tarn, both natives of Delaware, and born in
1801 and 1803 respectively. The parents settled in Carroll County
about 1830, and were among the pioneers. A. C. Tam was left an or-
phan at the age of four, and yntil eight, he resided with a brother in Cass
County ; he then hii-ed out, and roamed over Iowa and Minnesota until
nineteen, when he returned to Cass County, owner of a good team of
horses, one of which he soon after lost. He then worked by the month
one year, and then commenced farming on rented land. December 25,
1863, he married Rachel A. Smith, born in White County March 30,
1844, and daugliter of Jacob J. and Hester H. (Timmons) Smith. Soon
after marriage, Mr. Tam located on the farm where he now resides in
this township. He has now 170 acres, which are nicely improved, and
he is worth about $8,000, earned by his own exertions. He is a Demo-
crat, and in the fall of 1882 was elected County Commissioner, having
already filled several township offices. He is the father of six children —
George B., Josephus, John I., Rosa H., Isaac J. and Milton A. Mrs.
Tam is a member of the Church of God.
334 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
GEORGE W. THOMPSON was born in Clark County, Ohio, Oc-
tober 24, 1833, and is one of the fifteen children horn to Stephen A.
and Eleanor (Middleton) Thompson, both natives of Ohio. The parents
came to this county about the year 1857, and here the father died in
1875, aged seventy-two years. George W. Thompson came here with
his parents and farmed on rented lands for a few years ; then moved to
Union Township, where he resided four years, and in April, 1874, re-
turned here and purchased 120 acres, on which he still lives. He was
married, in 1866, to Miss Hester Britton, who was born in Darke Coun-
ty, Ohio, December 27, 1843, and who is the daughter of William and
Hester (Markwith) Britton, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio. To this
union there has been born one son — Harry M. July 4, 1861, Mr.
Thompson enlisted in Company K, Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infan-
try, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and lost a finger in
the fight at Belle Plaine. Mr. T. is a member of the G. A. R., and Mrs.
T. of the Christian Church.
JOHN G. TIMMONS was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1837,
and is one of the four children of Sothey K. and Turlley Timmons,
natives of Delaware. The family came to this township in 1864, and
here the elder Timmons served as County Commissioner and Swamp
Land Commissioner, being elected by the Democrats. He died in the
prime of life, aged forty-nine years. John G. Timmons received a prac-
tical business education, as his father was a lumber merchant and stock-
shipper. He was married, March 10, 1860, to Miss Ruth Price, daugh-
ter of Aaron and Mary (Hancock) Price, of White County. Eight chil-
dren were born to this union, of whom seven are yet living — Miranda J.,
Nance E., Sothey K., Mary W., Harvey E., Cora B. and Rosa. Mrs.
Timmons died in 1876, and March 4, 1877, Mr. T. married Mrs. Mattie
S. (Droke) McCully, widow of John McCully, who was the father of her
two children — Frank E. and Hamilton E. Mr. Timmons has been
largely engaged in mercantile affairs in Idaville, but in February, 1882,
retired to his present farm of 1,380 acres, all under fence. In 1864, he
was appointed to fill an unexpired terra as Trustee, and then elected one
term, and re-elected in 1880-82. His property is valued at $54,000,
and during the war he gave freely for the relief of soldiers' widows. He
is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Monticello.
JOHN B. TOWNS LEY was born in Greene County, Ohio, March
1, 1817. He was reared on a farm until eighteen, when he began car-
pentering, at which he worked twelve years and then came to Carroll
County, this State, where, in company with his brother William,. he built
a saw mill and ran it ten years. The firm dissolved in 1855, William
continuing alone, and John B. coming to this township and investing in
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 335
land adjoining Idaville ©r Hannah, for Avhich town he furnished a part of
the land, and to Avhich he has besides made two a'dditions. He was mar-
ried, November 1, 1838, to Miss Rebecca, daughter of George and Martha
Miller, of Greene County, Ohio. Mrs. Townsley died June 24, 1857,
aged thirty-six years, the mother of eight children, five still living —
Margaret H., William A., John A., James M. and Ferdinand P. De-
cember 21, 1859, Mr. Townsley married Rebecca E. llussel, of White
County, who bore her husband three children — Emma C, Cleora and
Edwin L. — and died April 10, 1865. Mr. Townsley's third marriage was
on December 30, 1869, to Mrs. Nancy (Cope) Paugh, daughter of David
and Charlotte Cope, and born in Jefferson County, Ind., September 14,
1821. The parents of Mr. Townsley were Thomas and Margaret (Bar-
ber) Townsley, natives respectively of Kentucky and Pennsylvania. They
moved to Ohio when both were quite young and, after rearing a family
of twelve children, died in this county.
J. M. Townsley, son of John B. and Rebecca Townsley, was born
in Carroll County, Ind., August 10, 1850. At the age of seventeen, he
taught his first school (that of Idaville), and during this and the following
fourteen years taught fifteen terms within a radius of twelve miles. He
followed farming until October 14, 1882, when he purchased a stock of
drugs and notions worth |1,000, and became the successor of J. G. Wil-
son at Idaville. He is a Republican, and during the years 1875-76 was
acting Deputy Sheriff of White County. While living in Carroll Coun-
ty, he was a member of the Republican Central Committee for three years.
He was married, August 25, 1874, to Miss Melvina, daughter of Robert
and Margaret J. (McCuUy) Delzell, of Idaville, and born in 1855, and by
her is the father of three children — Fred, Frank and Mary. Both he
and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church.
J. W. VAN DEMAN was born in Marion County, Ind., February
18, 1843, and is one of the thirteen children born to Samuel H. and
Mary J. (McCalla) Van Deman, natives respectively of Ohio and Ken-
tucky, and of Holland and Scotch descent. Since 1878, Samuel Van
Deman has resided at Bloom ington, Ind., where he is farming and has
charge of a saw mill. In October, 1861, J. W. Van Deman was mus-
tered in at Indianapolis as a member of Company A, Forty-seventh In-
diana Volunteer Infantry, and in December, 1863, veteranized in the
same company. He was in the Thirteenth Army Corps, Department of
the Mississippi, and took part in the fight at New Madrid and in the
Vicksburg, Red River and Mobile campaigns. He received a flesh wound
at Champion's Hill, and his comrade on each side fell during this engage-
ment. He was taken prisoner at New Iberia, La., imprisoned at Alex-
andria, and was exchanged Christmas morning following. He was hon-
336 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
orably discharged October 23, 1865, at Baton Rouge. On his return to
Indianapolis, he learned blacksmithing, and ran a shop until 1873,
when he traded for 320 acres of land in this township. In May, 1875,
he moved to Idaville, ran a shop four years and engaged in other busi-
ness, and in November, 1882, returned to his farm. He was married, in
1866, to Nancy A. Montague, of Lexington, Ky., and by her is the father
of five children — Frank, Alma, Lony, Clarence and Milford T. In
1876. he was elected Justice of the Peace, and re elected in 1880. He is
a Democrat, an Odd Fellow and a member of the G. A. R.
ABRAHAM WARFEL was born in Lancaster County, Penn., Feb-
ruary 9, 1815, and is the son of Adam and Elizabeth (Layman) Warfel,
both natives of Pennsylvania. He was left an orphan at the age of eleven,
and was reared by a brother on a farm until sixteen, when he started out,
empty-handed, to make his fortune. In 1833, he went to Dayton, and
thence to Wayne County, Ind. May 22, 1834, he married Nancy
Heinary, of Lancaster County, Penn. She died March 9, 1835. In
February, 1836, Mr. Warfel moved to Carroll County and entered 160
acres, and was married, June 9, 1836, to Miss Mary, daughter of Thomas
and Mary (Horine) Patton, and born in Maryland, August 7, 1815. Six
children were born to Mr. Warfel, five yet living, viz.: Levi, Elizabeth,
Herzekiah, Ellen and Nancy A. In 1851, Mr. W. sold his farm and
moved to Liberty Township, this county ; purchased 160 acres, which he
worked until 1871, when he traded for a farm in Cass County, which he
sold two years later, and then came to Idaville, this township, where he
now resides in retirement. He has served as Township Trustee both in
Carroll and in this county, and he and wife are members of the Church
of God.
JOHN W. WIMER, merchant, at Logansport, and formerly of Bur-
nettsville, was born in Orange County, N. Y., February 7, 1829, and is
the third of the five children of Michael and Hannah (Belcher) Wimer,
both natives of the Empire State. The family moved to Carroll County,
Ind., about 1841, and there John W. attended school and kept his father's
accounts, studied surveying and trigonometry, German and Latin. At
the age of twenty-one, he took a position in J. B. Gordon's mercantile
house in Georgetown, where he remained eight years ; then began trade
on his own account at Lockport, and was appointed Postmaster by Presi-
dent Buchanan. Three years later he moved to Delphi, where he en-
gaged in trade until 1845, and then moved to Burnettsville, where he did
business under the firm name of J. W. Wimer & Co. until 1865, when he
succeeded the firm and carried on trade individually until 1868, when he
sold a half-interest to J. M. Love, and under the firm name of J. M.
Wimer & Love continued till 1882. Mr. Wimer then withdrew, and
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 337
shortly after removed to Logansport, where he is now largely engaged in
the dry goods trade. Mr. Wimer is an active Republican, In 1864, he
was appointed Postmaster at Burnettsville, which office he resigned six
years later. The same fall he was elected Representative from White and
Benton Counties, and in 1876 was a Presidential Elector from Indiana ;
in 1880, he was a Delegate to the National Convention at Chicago, and was
one of the first to vote for James A. Garfield. Mr. W. has been a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty-seven years ; he is a
well-known contributor to the county press, and is a gentleman of consid-
erable literary ability and poetical tastes.
REV. WILLIAM WINEGARDNER was born in Preble County,
Ohio, in January, 1821, and when about fourteen years old came to Cass
County, this State, with his parents, and was reared a farmer. In 1842,
he married Miss Margaret Wiley, of La Porte, Ind., but a native of Ten-
nessee, born February 18, 1822, and daughter of John and Mary Wiley,
also natives of Tennessee, and of Irish extraction. This lady died in 1854,
leaving four small children, of whom three are yet living — Austin, Mary
and John. In April, 1855, Mr. W. married Miss Nancy Scott, a native
of Indiana, who bore him two children — Sanford and Clara — and died
January 21, 1877. In 1878, he married Mrs. Caroline C. (Graham)
Seawright, who died a year later, having one son — Earl Stanton. Feb-
ruary 7, 1880, Mr. Winegardner married Mrs. Esther (Coleman) Wilson,
a native of Ohio. In 1853, Mr. W. was ordained a minister in the
Christian Church, and has been an active worker ever since. He con-
tinued at farming until 1878, and filled the office of Township Trustee
four years, and of Justice of the Peace eight years. His eldest son, Aus-
tin, enlisted, in the fall of 1862, in Company K, Ninety-ninth Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, and was under Sherman until the close of the war,
being honorably discharged in June, 1865.
JOHN YORK was born in Preble County, Ohio, January 31, 1821,
and came to this township with his parents in the fall of 1835, entering
eighty acres on Section 14. He assisted in erecting the first schoolhouse
in the township, and attended at the same two winters. He assisted his
father in clearing up the farm until he reached his majority, and then,
March 10, 1842, married Miss Sarah J. Ryerson, of Darke County, Ohio,
born August 24, 1824, and daughter of John and Elizabeth (Winegard-
ner) Ryerson, natives of New Jersey and North Carolina. This family
came to Cass County, Ind., in 1839, and there cleared up a farm ; in
1867, they came to Burnettsville, where the father died in 1869, and the
mother in 1876, aged respectively seventy-four and eighty-five years.
Mrs. York has borne her husband four children — William H., Lydia (de-
ceased), Jonathan S. and Amanda J. (the wife of George Mertz). In the
350 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
early days of Mr. York's married life, he hauled wheat to Logan, and sold
it for 33 cents to 35 cents per bushel, and pork, dressed, at $1.25 per
hundred weight, and hauled his- salt from Michigan City, a distance of
one hundred miles ; but he has thriven, and now has a farm of 305 acres,
and has, besides, given to each of his children about |1,500, and he also
owns property in Burnettsville of great value. Since 1837, Mr. York
has lived in town in retirement. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has
sel-ved as Township Trustee eight years. He was one of the building
committee appointed to superintend the erection of the Baptist Church
edifice, and he also contributed largely from his own means toward its
completion. He and wife are members of the organization.
PRINCETON TOWNSHIP.
CHARLES H. BAXTER, an ex-Trustee of Princeton Township,
is a native of the Empire State, and was born in Putnam County Septem-
ber 4, 1844, and is a son of Marcus and Ann E. (Odel) Baxter. Scarcely
had the scenes of life commenced with the subject of this notice, when
his father died, and he was left to help support a widowed mother. The
spring of 1860 found young Baxter wending his way on foot to Peekskill,
N. Y., where he entered the Democrat printing office and began learning
the business, and continued at it for five years, save one winter, during
which time he was a conductor on a street car in the national metropolis.
In 1865, Mr. Baxter went to Illinois and immediately engaged in farm-
ing, and continued there until 1869, when he came to Princeton Town-
ship, and for several years taught school in the winter and farmed during
the farming season. In 1875, he was appointed Township Assessor, and
was elected Township Trustee in 1876 and 1878. During these admin-
istrations, he did much for the schools of the township, and also increased"
teachers' wages. In 1881, Mr. Baxter received the appointment of Post-
master at Wolcott, which position he still retains. On the 10th of
November, 1871, he was married to Miss Ann M. Gill, of Newark, Ohio.
There have been four children born to them, viz.: Mabel, Charles E.,
Flora and Frederick. Charles E. died April 28, 1878, and Mabel May
7, the same year. In religious belief, Mr. Baxter is a Universalist, and
in politics Republican, and is one of Princeton Township's most enter-
prising citizens. In September, 1872, the mother of Mr. Baxter was
married to George D. Washburn, one of the oldest residents in Mon-
ticello.
E. G. BOICOURT is a native of Decatur County, Ind., son of
PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 339
Absalom and Rebecca (Homes) Boicourt, was born February 17, 1837,
and is of French-Irish lineage. In 1857, Mr. Boicourt removed with
his father to this county, and settled in West Point Township, and there
remained until about fifteen years ago, when he came to Princeton Town-
ship, and purchased land in Sections 29 and 30. The mother of Mr.
Boicourt died June 28, centennial year. Not until twenty-two years of
age did Mr. Boicourt begin for himself. Besides attending the common
district school, he spent two school years in a graded school at Decatur,
Ind. On the 15th of June, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Twenty-
seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in a number of battles,
some of the most important being the following : Atlanta, Winchester,
Cedar Mountain, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. lie was honorably
discharged September 12, 1864. The marriage of Mr. Boicourt to Miss
Elzina Timmons, of Jasper County, Ind., occurred October 2, 1873.
There has to this union been born two children — Clement T. and Thomas
N. Mr. and Mrs. Boicourt are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and he has been a life-long Republican.
JAMES W. BRITTON is a son of William and Susan (Grable)
Britton; is a native of Ohio, and was born January 1, 1839. The mother
of Mr. Britton died when he was but three years of age, and as soon as
he was old enough he was put at farm \Tork, and this occupation he has
followed all through life. He was married, February 23, 1859, to Miss
Sarah Gill, daughter of George and Mary Gill, natives of Yorkshire,
England, who came to America more than half a century ago, and settled
in Ohio, where they died. The voyage across the stormy Atlantic was
of nine weeks' duration. To Mr. and Mrs. Britton there have been born
three children, viz.: Frank G., Mary E. and Maud A. Mary E. is de-
ceased. Mr. Britton came to Princeton Township about thirteen years
ago. Though he began life with nothing, he now owns 290 acres of
choice land, and is worth at least $10,000. Mr. and Mrs. Britton are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics he is a
Democrat.
JOHN B. BUNNELL is a son of Brazilla and Nancy S. (Riggs)
Bunnell, born May 4, 1825, in Warren County, Ohio. While yet an
infant, his parents removed from Warren to Montgomery County, and
here remained until he was nine years of age, when he again removed
with his parents to Porter County, Ind. When nineteen years old, he
began life for himself, and on the 31st of January, 1844, he was united
in marriage to Miss Sarah M. Lear, of Big Creek Township. To this
union have been born seven children, viz.: Nancy J., Thomas J., Maria
L., Mary A., Milton M., Teal and Homer E. Of these children. Teal
and Homer E. are dead. In 1850, Mr. Bunnell went to California, and
340 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
while there was engaged in mining, driving pack-mules and conducting
a provision store. After two years, he returned, and has since been en-
gaged in farming, merchandising, etc., and now lives in "Wolcott and
superintends his farm. He is a Mason and a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. The religious faith of Mr. Bunnell is that advo-
cated by the Christian Church. Mrs. Bunnell is also a member of that
church. He enlisted in June, 1862, in Company G, Sixty-third Indiana
Volunteers for three years, but was discharged in February, 1863, on
account of an accidental wound. He is a Republican, and an advocate
of compulsory education.
WILLIAM H. CLARK, General Manager and Superintendent of
the famous Wolcott farm, is a native of Liverpool, England, born May
4, 1844, and is a son of William D. and Adelia (Souls) Clark. When
he was three years of age, his parents came to America and settled in
Otsego County, N. Y. While in the'Empire State, he received his edu-
cation, which is much beyond that of the average farmer. At the age of
sixteen, Mr. Clark enlisted as drummer-boy in Company H, Seventy-
sixth Volunteers of New York. After the enrollment of the company,
he becam.e a regular private, and was in nineteen of the most severe en-
gagements that occurred during the war. He re-enlisted February,
1864, served until the close of the struggle, and was discharged at Ball's
Cross Roads, Va., July 3, 1865 ; he was Color Bearer from the time of
the Gettysburg battle, in 1863, until February 4, 1864. In the fall of
1865, he came to Montgomery County, Ind., and worked on a farm, and
there he remained two years and then returned to New York and re-
mained one'year, and in the meantime was united in marriage to Miss
Ellen Hill, of Cherry Valley, N. Y. To this union have been born three
children, viz. : Lillie E., born July 29, 1874, and died October 23, Iblo;
Minnie A., born June 30, 1876, died December 12, 1876, and Robert
W. In 1869, he came to West Point Township and rented a farm, but
the next year came to Wolcott and became general manager for Hon.
Anson Wolcott. This position Mr. Clark still retains ; he is a Repub-
lican, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a Sovereign
of the Red Star, and member of the Christian Church.
JAMES S. CLARY is a native of Greene County, Tenn., son of
Zacki and Susanna (Hamden) Clary, born October 24, 1824, and was the
sixth in a family of eleven children. On the 22d of November, 1845,
he left home on foot for Indiana, arriving here on the 8th of December,
and stopping in Prairie Township. In a few days he secured a job of
making rails for Solomon McCuUoch, at 50 cents per hundred. In a
short time, he hired to Mr. McCulloch by the month; worked two sum-
mers ; then farmed one season ; and then struck out on horseback for the
PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 341
home of his chiklhood, and there remained two months ; and then re-
turned to Prairie Township, and November 9, 1848, was united in mar-
riage to Miss Susanna Smelser, of Prairie Township. To them were born
seven children, viz.: Joseph H., Jasper N., Sarah A., Samuel H., John
M., James W. and Lucy B. Of these children, only two, the oldest and
youngest, are living. In March, 1851, Mr. Clary removed to Princeton
ToAvnship, and for one month lived in an old shanty that stood just west
of Avhere the cabin on his land was afterward built. This cabin, however,
was torn down during Centennial year, and in its stead was erected a
commodious and comfortable house. October 24, 1871, Mrs. Clary died.
Mr. Clary, after remaining a widower for nine years, was married, March
13, 1880, to Mrs. Eunice Wirtman, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Clary are members of the Christian Church, and he is
a Republican.
I. M. DAVIS is a native of Champaign County, Ohio, born No-
vember 6, 1829; is of German, Scotch and Welsh descent, and a son of
John and Isabel (Newlandj Davis. The grandfather of Mr. Davis was
stolen when a child by some sailors, and brought to America ; he was
also a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and that of 1812. The father
of Mr. Davis came to Ohio from Virginia when seventeen years of age,
and there remained until the latter was eight years old, when he came to
White County, and landed in Prairie Township November 10, 1837, and
began settlement just east of where Brookston is now situated, and here
he lived until his death, November 10, 1880. I. M. was fourteen years
old before he knew anything about school life. The first school he at-
tended was at a round-log schoolhouse that stood near the center of a
district that was eight miles square. Alfred Harris was Mr. Davis' first
teacher. Mr. Davis was married, August 22, 1848, to Miss Sarah A.
Mahan, daughter of John and Hester Mahan, of Tippecanoe County.
This union had four children born to it, viz. : John W., Hester A., Mary
A. and George W. The next fall after Mr. Davis was married, he began
life for himself, and moved into an old hut that stood three miles from the
old homestead. The first meal in the new home consisted of forage,
potatoes and butter, and the table used was an old chair. In the spring
of 1849, Mr. Davis came to Princeton Township and settled in the
northern part, and there remained ten years. In 1870, he purchased the
farm on which he now lives. Mrs. Davis died July 21, 1856, and Mr.
Davis was married, January 10, 1857, to Miss Juda A. Franklin, of
Tippecanoe County. To them have been born nine children — William
M., James K., Luther L., Alexander H., Griffith G., Ella J., Edward
G., Lettie E. and Harry B. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Republican and a member of
the Masonic Lodo-e at Wolcott.
342 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
E. L. DIBELL was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, October 15,
1825, and is the son of Obed and Patine (Baldwin) Dibell. The father
died in September, 1874, and the mother, who is a sister of Dr. Baldwin,
of Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, Ind., still resides on the old home-
stead in her eighty-ninth year. E. L. Dibell attended the common
schools and then the academy at Kingsville, Ohio, and afterward farmed
on the home place until he was thirty years of age, when he moved to
Will County, 111. ; remained there about three years ; then lived eleven
years in Minnesota ; then seven years in Kendall County, 111., and then
he came to Princeton Township in January, 1875 ; bought 160 acres raw
prairie, and developed the magnificent farm on which he now resides. He
married Miss Elizabeth A., daughter of Beriah and Polly Lucella Bliss,
natives of Grreene County, N. Y., and to this union have been born four
children — E. Burritt, Arthur B. (deceased), Edwin J. and Homer B.
Mr. Dibell is a member of the Baptist Church, having joined over ten
years ago, and in politics is a Republican.
EASTBURN W. FLEEGER is a native of Juniata County, Penn.,
born August 28, 1852, son of Robison and Isabel (Logue) Fleeger, and
is of German and Irish descent. When he was but two years of age, his
parents removed from the old Pennsylvania State to Princeton Township,
and settled on Section 28. Here they remained until April, 1881, when
they removed to Reynolds. Mr. Fleeger remained at home and worked
for his father until he had attained his majority, and even after he became
of age, he continued so to work by the year. Board, clothes and $150
were the consideration for which he labored until November 3, 1880,
when he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Briney, daughter of Harry
and Anna Briney. Mrs. Fleeger is a native of Carroll County, Ind.
To this union has been born one child — Maude B. After the marriage,
Mr. Fleeger began the old homestead, and still resides there. Mr. and
Mrs. Fleeger are members of the Christian Church, and he is a
Republican.
DR. F. A. GRANT was born in Lawrenceburgh, Ind., October 3,
1852, and is the youngest of a family of four children of R. S. and Louie
A. (Bennett) Grant. At the age of five years, he moved with his father to
a farm near Greensburg, Ind., and here young Grant received his first
schooling. At sixteen years of age, he entered the academy at Elizabeth-
town. The first fifteen years of his life were passed in working on the
farm and attending school ; 1870 found Dr. Grant beginning the classical
course in Hartsville University, at Hartsville, Ind., where he remained two
years, and while at this institution, was ordained a pastor in the Christian
Church, and preached at Elizabethtown and Brush Creek. Dr. Grant is
next found as pastor of the First Christian Church at Brazil, Ind.; but
PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 343
he soon resigned, and accepted a similar position at Marshall, 111., and
there remained some time, and then entered the Northwestern Christian
University at Indianapolis, and pursued his studies two years, and then
quit the university to accept the pastorate of the Christian Church at
Ligonier, Ind. After preaching for a time at Frazeysburg, Ohio, and
Litchfield, Minn., where he edited a church paper called the Christian
Visitor, he returned to Indianapolis and took a course of medical lectures,
and came to Wolcott in February, 1877, and formed a partnership with
Dr. M. T. Didlake in the practice of medicine. In 1879, he returned to
Indianapolis and took another course of lectures. On January 31, 1876,
occurred the marriage of Dr. Grant to Miss Linda Carmine, of Ligonier,
Ind., and to them have been born two children — Minnie A. and Myrtle
M. Dr. Grant is one of the principal physicians in White County, and
for several years has been an influential and effective worker in the Dem-
ocratic party.
WILLIAM HINCHMAN is a native of Cabell County, W. Va., a
son of William and Elizabeth (Symms) Hinchman ; is of English and
Irish descent, and was born August 1, 1830. The father of Mr. Hinch-
man was taken prisoner by the rebels in war time for expressing himself
politiciilly, and was cast in the rebel prison at Salisbury, N. C, and
there remained until his death. Mr. Hinchman received such education
as the common schools of Virginia were capable of bestowing. He gained
the information that the Northern States were fast becoming more pros-
perous than the Slave States, and consequently, on the 13th of October,
1854, came to Princeton Township and began settlement on Section 29,
■where he now lives and owns 270 acres of choice land. Mr. Hinchman
■was married, December 18, 1856, to Miss Rhoda Nordyke. Seven chil-
dren have been born to them, viz., John, Elizabeth E., James. Mary,
William, Anna and Albert. Mr. Hinchman, in early life, learned the
carpenter's trade, and the same has since been of much service to him, as
the buildings on his farm indicate. For twenty-five years he has made
bee-keeping a specialty, and has become noted as one of the most extensive
bee-keepers in Indiana. In 1860, he was elected Township Trustee, and
served one term, and in 1877 received the nomination on the Democratic
ticket for County Treasurer, but was defeated in the election.
G. W. HOLDRIDGE is a native of Monroe County, N. Y., born
April 6, 1839, son of Jacob and Matilda (Heath) Holdridge, and is of
German-Welsh descent. When eighteen years of age, he began the trials
of life for himself For a time he worked on a farm, and then spent
almost two years traveling through Canada. In 1859, he came to White
County and began working for a man by the name of Clark Johnson ;
he next bought five yoke of oxen, and began breaking prairie sod. At
344 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
this occupation he continued for five years, and then rented a farm and
began farming. On the 22d of August, 1866, he married Miss Sarah
Faucett, daughter of Charles Faucett, a native of Ohio. Mr. Holdridge
was married, April 13, 1870, to Miss Matilda Templeton, daughter of
James and Mary Templeton. To this union have been born four children,
viz., Leroy D., Emma, Troop and Theron. In 1870, Mr. Holdridge
came to Princeton Township and settled northeast of Seafield, and here
he remained for three years, and then removed to Delphi, Carroll County,
and there engaged in the butchering business ; he next moved to Monti-
cello, and for awhile carried on the same kind of business, and then pur-
chased a farm in West Point Township, and here the family lived nearly
one year, and then removed to a farm in this township, east of Seafield,
and there resided for a time, and then came to the present place of resi-
dence near Wolcott. Mr. Holdridge is a Universalist, and in politics a
Democrat ; has been the means of building six good dwelling houses in
the county, and is one of the most extensive land owners in White
County.
PROF. WILLIAM IRELAN, Principal of Wolcott Public Schools,
and a pastor of the Christian Church, is a native of Greene County,
Ohio, son of James and Eliza (Miller) Irelan, born July 25, 1837 ; is of
Scotch-Irish lineage, and the eldest in a family of seven children ; his
father died in 1855, and mother in 1881. The education of Prof Irelan
has been extensive and thorough. He first attended the common school
in Ohio, and after coming to Indiana he, for a time, attended the same
kind of a school. In the summer of 1846, he entered a select school at
Burnettsville, taught by Prof. Hugh Knickerbocker, of Union College,
New York. Prof. Irelan graduated in 1872 at Butler University, Ohio.
When a mere boy, he began teaching ; he taught his first school in Jack-
son Township ; was afterward Principal of the Burnettsville Schools, and
served many terms at that place. In 1861, he went to Minnesota and
taught a select school at Belle Plaine. After teaching one term, he re-
turned to White County, and on the 30th of August, 1862, enlisted in
Capt. George Bowman's Company, Twelfth Indiana Volunteers, as a
private, but was afterward appointed to a Corporalship. He was wounded
at the battle of Missionary Ridge November 25, 1863 ; was discharged
from the service at Indianapolis February 6, 1864. October 13, 1864,
he married Miss C. E. Buesing, of Burnettsville, Ind. Mrs. Irelan ig
also a graduate of Butler University. To this union have been born four
children, viz. : Clifibrd, Otto, Owen and Elmer. In 1865, he was ap-
pointed Superintendent of the Public Schools of White County. This
office he held three years ; he held the first County Institute in White
County. In 1866, he took charge of the Monticello Schools. This po-
PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 345
sition he resigned in 1868, and accepted the pastorate of the Christian
Church at Burnettsville ; he is also the organizer of the Christian so-
ciety and founder of the Christian Church at Wolcott. In 1880, he took
charge of the Wolcott Schools, and in this capacity remains ; he is a
thorough Republican.
AMOS JOHNSON is a native of Cabell County, W. Va., born
August 16, 1834, son of Epps and Ann (Derton) Johnson ; he is the
eldest in a family of ten children, and his early life was spent in his na-
tive State in attending school, rafting logs in high water time, and learn-
ing the carpenter's trade. In March, 1855, he left the home of his
childhood and came to Princeton Township, and for one year worked at
carpentering with Isaac Vinson. In 1857, Mr. Johnson went to Illinois
and remained a short time, and then returned to Princeton Township,
and September 9, 1858, was united in marriage to Miss Mary S. Hutson,
daughter of Shelby and Elizabeth Hutson, of Porter County, Ind. To
Mr. Johnson and wife have been born five children — Herman S., Ida E.,
Andrew, Arthur S. and Grant. For a time after Mr. Johnson was mar-
ried, he was engaged in saw milling at Reynolds; he owns 120 acres of
choice land where he now lives, and is one of the successful farmers in
Princeton Township: he is a thorough Republican,
J. M. JOHNSON, son of Rev. R. C. and Mary (White) Johnson,
born April 6, 1858, was the fifth in a family of seven children. Mr.
Johnson is a Hoosier by birth, having been born on what has long since
been known as the old Johnson homestead, in Princeton Township. He
received a fair common school education, and afterward attended school
at the Battle Ground Academy, in Tippecanoe County, at Wolcott, and at
Burnettsville. When nineteen years of age, he commenced life for him-
self, and herded cattle for one year, and then began clerking in his broth-
er's store at Reynolds, and there remained about one year. He was mar-
ried November 24, 1880, to Miss Ada M. Willey, daughter of Sylvester
and Mary Willey, of this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson has been
born one child, Robert C. He owns 160 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs.
Johnson are members of the Christian Church. He is a Republican, and
one of the enterprising young farmers of Princeton Township,
J, G, KERLIN is a native of Camden, Carroll County, Ind., born
February 18, 1860, and is the youngest in a family of three children
born to J. L. and Amanda (Fleeger) Kerlin, He lived with his parents
at Camden until he was six years of age, and then with his grandfather
Kerlin in Juniata County, Penn, There the father remained a few days,
and then took his departure, and since has only been heard of a few times.
With his grandfather, who was in very meager circumstances, J. G, re-
mained until he was twelve years old, when, imagining that there were
346 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
more prosperous fields in life for him, he came to Princeton Township,
and for awhile lived with his mother, and then went to Carroll County,
near Delphi, and for five years worked on a farm. In the spring of
1877, he began clerking in C. S. Kepner's store at Seafield, and here
remained three years, and then worked on a farm for G. W. Chamber-
lain one summer, for 75 cents per day and board. After this,
Mr. Kerlin turned his attention to merchandising, and formed a part-
nership with Z. Pippenger in the grocery business ; the whole amount of
capital invested was $47. This partnership existed about one year,
when Mr. Kerlin purchased his partner's interest, the stock on hand in-
voicing at $60. Mr. K. then put in a stock of dry goods, and is now
carrying a good stock of goods. In 1879, he was commissioned Post-
m,aster at Seafield, and on the 13th of June, 1882, was appointed railway
agent. On November 26, 1880, he married Miss- Josie Templeton, a
daughter of James and Mary Templeton. To this union was born one
child, Freddie, who died September 15, 1882. Mrs. Kerlin died Janu-
ary 10, the same year. Mr. Kerlin is a member of the Independent Or-
der of Odd. Fellows, and belongs to Orion Lodge at Walcott, No. 598.
He is a Democrat, and a self-made man in all respects.
JOHN H. KINNEY is a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, born May
17, 1840, and is one of nine children born to William and Mary A. (Phebus)
Kinney, who were among the first settlers of Princeton Township. The
subject of this sketch is of German-English descent, and came with his
parents from their Buckeye home to Princeton Township in 1851, and
began settlement on Section 32. The first house in which the Kinney
family lived was a miniature frame structure, 14x16 feet, with an eight-
foot story. Two years afterward, an addition was erected, in dimensions
the same as the first building. Mr. Kinney received a fair common
school education. In 1851, he taught a winter term of school at what
was known as the Kinney Schoolhouse. October 1, 1862, dates the
marriage of Mr. Kinney to Miss Eliza A. Templeton, daughter of James
and Rachel Templeton, who came to this county about 1849. To them
have been born four children — Katie, Lucy E., William C. and John E.,
who died May 3, 1878. Mr. Kinney worked for and farmed on shares
with his father until he was thirty years old, when he began managing
for himself. In March, 1882, he purchased the old homestead, and now
has two hundred acres of well-improved land. He believes in the faith
advocated by the Christian Church, and Mrs. Kinney is a member of
that church. He is a stanch Republican.
HIRAM F. LEAR, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Culpeper
County, Va., son of Nathan and Maria (Spicer) Lear, who was born Janu-
ary 21, 1821. The grandfather of Mr. Lear was one of the three Vir-
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PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 349
ginia Blues that carried Gen, Braddock from the field of battle in one of
the early Indian wars. He was also a soldier in the Revolutionary war,
and the father of Mr. Lear was a soldier of 1812. When Mr. Lear was
nine years of age, his father removed from Virginia to Belmont County,
Ohio, and there remained until the spring of 1838, when he came to
White County and began settlement in Big Creek Township. When Mr.
Lear reached his majority, he began work for himself. He rented land
of Joseph Thompson, and farmed three years, and then came to Princeton
Township and purchased eighty acres of land in Section 4. He now
owns more than 500 acres. Here he has lived all the time, save seven
years he was in the mercantile business in Monon. Mr. Lear married
Miss Margaret Ann Burnes, daughter of the old pioneer, John Burnes, in
Big Creek Township. To this union have been born thirteen children, viz. :
John F., Charles N., Thomas A., James B., David M., Zorah M., Hiram
Fayett, William W., Samuel E., Birt L., Mary J., Etna D., Hugh L. and an
infant that died unnamed. In religious opinion, Mr. Lear is a liberal. He is
a golden-rule kind of a man, and perhaps the greatest compromiser in White
County. Many differences between neighbors have been settled through
his influence, and his place in this particular could not easily be filled.
Mrs. Lear is a member of the Christian Church, and he is a Republican.
WILLIAM LISK, son of Peter and Abigail (Moore) Lisk, was born
June 10, 1819, near Morristown, N. J. While in his youth, his father
moved to Franklin County, Ohio, and began the improvement of a farm.
William remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age, helping his
father to clear and cultivate his land. Mr. Lisk received only such an edu-
cation as the first schools of Ohio were prepared to give. In 1844, the father
removed to Ross County, and here, in 1846, William was united in mar-
riage to Sarah A. Edmonds, daughter of Robert and Margaret Edmonds.
Seven children have been born to this union — Mary E., John W., Ezra
P., Alice J., Lafayette, Vesta J. and Anna D. Of these, Lafayette died
August 12, 1860. In October, 1847, Mr. Lisk removed to Tippecanoe
County, where he remained until 1854, when he went to Wapello County,
Iowa, and remained there until the fall of 1860, when he returned to Tip-
pecanoe County, and lived there until 1868, when he came to Princeton
Township and engaged in farming. His first venture in the mercantile
business was at Wolcott, in partnership with J. P. Clute, but at the end
of five months the agreement was dissolved, and in the meantime Mr.
Lisk had sunk $1,129 in the enterprise. After this ill luck, Mr. Lisk
worked by the day for one year on the farm of A. Wolcott, but in the
fall of 1869 commenced business alone on a small scale, and through his
energy and enterprise has succeeded in establishing one of the best stores
in White County. To-day Mr. Lisk has property worth at least $6,UO0.
350 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Mr. and Mrs. Lisk are members of the Metl^odist Episcopal Church.
Politically, Mr. Lisk was formerly a Whig, but is now a Republican.
JOHN McDonald is of Scotch-Irlsh lineage, born August 1 5,
1806, in Mercer County, Penn., and is a son of John and Jane (Mc-
Clintick) McDonald. Mr. McDonald received a very limited education,
but sufficient, however, to enable him to stand in the front ranks of
carpentering or millwrighting — trades that he acquired when young.
In addition to these trades he followed flat-boating for a number of years.
His father removed to the Buckeye commonwealth and began settlement
near Zanesvilie, in about 1811. When but nineteen years of age, John
began life for himself, and in the fall of 1852 came to Princeton Town-
ship and entered 400 acres of land, southeast of where Wolcott now
stands. He was married, October 22, 1829, to Miss Ellen Eckelbarger,
of Zanesvilie, Ohio. To this relation were born nine children — Mary
J., William, John, Sheldon, Julius, Charles, Hugh, Melissa and Robert
S. ; of these children there are but four living. Mrs. McDonald died
August 4, 1879. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Church
until her death. Mr. McDonald is also a member of that denomination,
having joined over a half century ago. He is a Mason, and once was a
member of the Amity Lodge, No. 5, at Zanesvilie, Ohio. Politically,
he has more faith in the Greenback party than any other.
CAPT. ADIN NORDYKE is of Welsh lineage, a native of Guil-
ford County, N. C, son of Robert and Elizabeth (Shaw) Nordyke, and
was born January 12, 1822. When Mr. Nordyke was about ten years
of age, his parents moved to Henry County, Ind. They remained in Henry
County two years, and then removed to Wea Plains, in Tippecanoe
County, and there lived until the spring of 1845, when it came to this
township, and again began the scenes and trials of another frontier home.
When about twenty-two years of age, the subject of this notice purchased
the Nordyke homestead, and on January 23, 1851, was married to Miss
Lucy A. Jewett, daughter of Anson Jewett, one of the first settlers of
the township. To Mr. Nordyke and wife, have been born eight chil-
dren — Lucy E., George, Mary E., Benajah P., Leander, William N.,
Robert and Minnie. Benajah P. and Robert are deceased. Mr. Nor-
dyke continued farming until February 10, 1862, when he enlisted as a
private in Company D, Sixty-third Indiana Volunteers. In July the
same year, he was detailed as a recruting officer. After Company G
was organized, he was elected Second Lieutenant ; on May 4, 1864, was
commissioned First Lieutenant, and on the 7th of September following
was commissioned Captain of the Sixty-third Indiana Volunteers. This
position he held until the close of the war and his discharge from the
service, June, 1865. He is a stalwart Republican, and a member of the
PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 351
Friends' Church. He was Township Trustee under the old hiw and is one
of the pioneers of Princeton Township.
JOHN C. NORTHLANE, railroad agent, is a native of Wayne
County, Ind. ; is of Dutch-Irish descent, and a son of Henry and
Margaret (Clymers) Northlane. Mrs. Northlane is a distant relative of
George Clymers, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Mr. Northlane's ftither was born in Germany, near Bremen, and his
mother is of Ohio nativity. The subject of this mention was born August
6, 1857. Young Northlane began attending school at El wood, in Madi-
son County, when nine years of age, but afterward moved with his father
to Hagerstown, Ind., and here completed his school days. In 1872, he-
went to Cincinnati to learn the tinner's trade. This did not seem a suc-
cess, but he continued to work at it until the dark days of the panic of
1873, when he returned to Hagerstown and began learning telegraphy,
and in 1874 he was appointed assistant agent at Hagerstown, and here
remained one year, and then went to Frankton, Ind., and was made act-
ing railway agent at that place. He would have been commissioned
agent, but he was too young to give bond. In 1878, Mr. Northlane
came to Wolcott, and has since been agent of the Pan Handle Railway at
this place. His marriage occurred at Anderson, Ind., on the 16th of
October, 1879, to Miss Callie Guisinger. Mrs. Northlane is of Scotch-
German descent. To this home have been born two children — Ethel,
born August 13, 1880, and Ruth, January 18, 1883. Mr. and Mrs.
Northlane are of the Catholic faith, and he is a Democrat in politics.
SOLOMON RADER is the eldest in a family of fifteen children-
nine boys and six girls — born to William and Elizabeth (Murphy) Rader.
Mr. Rader commenced life for himself at the age of twenty years. The
first summer worked on a farm at $10.25 per month, with board, washing
and keeping of horse thrown in ; the horse, however, had to be Avorked
two days in each week. The next summer he moved to Cass County,
near Logansport, and chopped cord-wood at 31| cents per cord and boards
and the following summer h'e returned to the home of his boyhood, in
Rush County, Ind., and spent the summer in peddling books and oil-,
cloths. The next year he spent on a farm, and in March, 1852, he-
started to the Territory of Oregon, by way of Cincinnati and St. Joseph,
Mo. He left St. Joseph by ox-team, on the 27th of April, 1852, and ar-
rived at Jacksonville, Ore., on the 22d of September. Mr. Rader en-
gaged in mining, but served for a time in the Rogue River Indian war.
In June, 1852, he came to Princeton Township ; his father, in the mean-
time, had reraoyed from Rush to White County. Mr. Rader was married
first to Miss Mary E. McAhron, and to their union were born three chil-
dren — J pair of twins, that died unnamed, and Marion. Mrs. Rader died
352 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
October 22, 1853, and Mr. Rader was married again January 14, 1855,
and to this union have been born two children — one infant that died un-
named, and C. M. Mr. and Mrs. Rader are members of the Baptist
Church, and he was reared a Democrat, but is now a thorough Green-
backer.
C. A. Q. RAYHOUSER is anative of Columbiana County, Ohio,
and is a son of Daniel and Magdalena (Lichtenberger) Rayhouser, de-
ceased. His father died in November, 1847, and his mother in May, 1873.
C. A. G. was born October 29, 1825. He received ,the educational ad-
vantages of the early common schools, and in the fall of 1842 entered the
academy at Ashland, Ohio, and remained one year ; then began teaching
a country school, and then, for five years, attended the academy during
the summer and, taught school in the winter. In 1850, he had completed
the classical course in Vermillion Institute, in Ashland County, Ohio, and
in the fall of that year came to Fort Wayne, Ind., and began a clerkship
in the dry goods store of R. W. Taylor, and the following winter was
elected Principal of one of the public schools of that city, and taught un-
til the following summer, when he clerked in the establishment of a Mr.
Stapleford, and was afterward appointed Deputy Sheriif, which position
he retained until the winter of 1854-55, when he taught a school in Whit-
ley County, near Columbia City. His marriage occurred in December,
1856, to Miss Caroline Ferguson, of La Fayette, Ind. Soon after the
marriage, Mr. Rayhouser was employed to finish an uncompleted term in
the High School at Ligonier, Ind., and then removed to Terre Coupee, in
St. Joseph County, and began the study of medicine in the office of Dr.
Aaron Redding, and here remained for three years, and in the summer
of 1860, went to Rockfield, Carroll County, and began the practice of
medicine. In 1863, Mr. Rayhouser enlisted, at La Fayette, in the
Twenty-second Indiana Battery, and upon the arrival of his company at
Atlanta, he was appointed Assistant Surgeon for the field hospital, and
afterward Surgeon of a colored regiment — First United States Heavy
Artillery — and in this capacity remained for a time, and then was de-
tailed to take charge of the hospital and military prison at Knoxville,
Tenn., and there remained until the close of the war, in 1865, when he
came to Brookston, this county, and again began the practice of his pro-
fession, remaining here until October, 1868, when he removed to Wolcott
and opened a drug store; retiring from the practice of medicine in 1870,
he was appointed Postmaster at Wolcott. In 1881, he sold his stock of
goods and began a similar business in Logansport; but, in the fall of that
year, he bought back the drug stock at Wolcott. Mr. Rayhouser is a
Knight Templar, having joined the Masons at Camden ; he became a
member of the Chapter at Kentland, and of the Commandery at JiOgans-
TRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 353
port. In religious opinion, Mr. Rayhouser is a Uaiversalist, and in
politics, a thorough and life-long Republican.
J. H. RIGBY is a native of Centerville, Wayne Co., Ind., son of
George and Clarissa (Tharp) Rigby, and was born May 12, 1856. These
are descendants from the old English race of Rigbys. In the first year
of the life of young Rigby, his parents emigrated to Missouri, remained
two years, and then removed to Keokuk, Iowa, and while there he shared
the advantages held out by the public schools. The family remained in
this city for several years, and then returned to Missouri and tiiere re-
mained until 1872, when it came to this county and settled at Seaficld.
Mr. Rigby worked on a farm one year, and then began general merchan-
dising at the above-mentioned place. There he remained until 1880,
when he removed to Wolcott and became more extensively engaged in
the mercantile business. He was married, February 28, 1878, to Miss
Sarah L. Wilburn, of Seafield. Mrs. Rigby died one year after the mar-
riage, and in November, 1880, Mr. Rigby was united in marriage to Miss
Malinda Wilburn, a sister of his first wife. To this union have been bora
two children, a little girl who died in infancy, and Charles Henry. Mr-
Rigby is a Republican.
JOHN L. PITTS is a native of Jacksborough, Campbell Co., Tenn.,
born June 22, 1819, of Welsh- American lineage, son of Abijah and
Mary (Gaylor) Pitts. Mr. Pitts was only eight years of age when his
mother died, and his father died in 1810. While yet in his infancy, his
parents removed to Washington County, Va., and from the subscription
district school in that county he received his education. In 1834, the
family moved to Jessamine County, Ky., and from there moved to Mer-
cer County, the same State. The early life of Mr. Pitts was spent at
shoe-making, working on a farm and milling. He was married, August
27, 1846, to Miss Mary Hocker, of Lincoln County, Ky. This union
had one child born to it, Richard G-, who is deceased. Mrs. Pitts died
July 20, 1848. He was married, September 29, 1849, to Miss Lucy
Ann Christopher, of Bry^ntsville, Ky. Four children have been born
to them — Andrew T., Sarah I., William A. and Delitha A. Mr. Pitts
left the old Kentucky home and settled in Big Creek Township, this
county, September 28, 1853, and the next spring he moved to West
Point Township, and there remained until 1863, when he came to Prince-
ton Township and settled on Section 31, where he still lives and owns a
good and well-improved farm. He is a member of the Baptist Church,
and is, and has always been, a true Democrat.
LUKE ROGERS, son of Nathaniel S. and Rachael (Cain) Rogers,
is a native of Hampshire County, Va., born November 28, 1830, and is
the eldest in a family of sixteen children. The fiither of Mr. Rogers
354 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
was a native of Loudoun County, Va., and was one of three men to begin
the first settlement in Princeton Township, coming here in 1844, re-
moving, however, from Virginia to Big Creek Township, this county, in
1837. Luke Rogers remained at home and worked for his father until
he was twenty-five years of age. He was married, February 22, 1855,
to Miss Harriet A. Dobbins, daughter of John and Catherine Dobbins.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were born five children, viz. : James P., John
N., Sarah E., William and Josie. William died April 15, 1861. Mr.
Rogers enlisted June, 1861, in Company K, Twentieth Indiana Volun-
teer Infantry, and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis July 29,
1864. Pie was in the seven days' battle before Richmond, second battle
of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, where
he was wounded in the right hand by an accidental discharge from his
own gun. Mr. Rogers was elected Township Trustee in April, 1880,
and was re-elected in 1882, having no opposition at the last election.
He was formerly.a Republican, but now is a stanch Greenbacker ; he is
a member of the Christian Church and of the Grand Army of the Re-
public. Mrs. Rogers died March 4, 1881.
BECKWITH ROGERS, deceased, was a native of Hampshire
€ounty, Va., born January 14, 1832, and was a son of Nathaniel S. and
Rachael (Cain) Rogers. When Beckwith was but a small boy, his
parents removed from Virginia to White County, and in 1844 settled in
Princeton Township. The early education of Mr. Rogers was such as
the common early district schools of White County were capable of be-
stowing; he remained at home and worked for his father until he was
twenty-four years of age. The marriage of Mr. Rogers to Miss Eliza
Whip, a Virginian and a daughter of William and Sarah Whip, occurred
August 6, 1855. Mr. Rogers farmed on his father's land until August
10, 1862, when he enlisted in Company G, Sixty-third Indiana Volun-
teers ; he was honorably discharged at Greensboro, N. C, June 21,
1865. After returning, he farmed for a short time on rented land. In
1868, he purchased the farm on which he lived and owned until his death,
which occurred June 23, 1882. Mrs. Rogers still owns the farm, and is
an good circumstances. To Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were born five children,
viz. : Amos, Sarah M., Cora D., Ina and Harvey. Mr. Rogers was a
member of the Christian Church, and Mrs. Rogers is also a member of
that church. He was a stanch Republican and one of the most enter-
prising men in Princeton Township.
DR. H. E. SMALL is a native of Indiana's city of railways, born
'October 28, 1862, and is a son of Rev. Gilbert and Francis (Garrett)
Small, who are residents of Idaville, this county. When the subject of
this sketch was about six years old, his parents removed from the above-
PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 355
mentioned city to the enterprising village in which they now reside, and
there young Small began his school life. When seventeen years of age,
he became a pedagogue, and taught two terms of district school, one in
Monon Township, and the other near his home, in Jackson Township.
At the age of fifteen, he began the study of his chosen profession, in the
office of Dr. Black, at Idaville. Here he remained several summers, and
in the spring of 1880 he continued his studies in the office of Dr. S. R.
Cowger, at Monticello, and during the winters 1881-82 and 1882-83
attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio.
In January, 1883, Dr. Small located in Wolcott, under the firm name
of Cowger & Small. Dr. Small is a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows.
JACOB SPANGLE is of German descent, a native of Stark County,
Ohio, born July 4, 1825, and one of eleven children born to Jacob and
Sarah (Eby) Spangle. When Mr. Spangle was five years of age, he re-
moved with his father to Crawford County, this State, and there remained
until his twenty-fourth year, when he again removed with his parents to
Noble County, Ind., and there lived and worked for his father until the
spring of 1851, when he came to West Point Township, this county, and
there lived one summer, and then came to Princeton Township, and pur-
chased 174 acres of land in Section 31, where he still resides. The mar-
riage of Mr. Spangle to Miss Julia A. Blackman, of Noble County,
occurred March 25, 1852, To this union have been born eleven chil-
dren — Elisha E., whose birth occurred December 15, 1853 ; Mayhew
C, October 9, 1855; Henry C, April 4, 1857; Jacob M. January 8,
1859; William S,, May 19, 1864; James F., December 28, 1865;
George T., November 8, 1867 ; John M., December 26, 1871 ; Amy
J., February 24, 1861 ; Lucy J., September 9, 1862 ; Margaret A.,
January 14, 1870. Mr. Spangle was reared a Jackson Democrat, then
became a stanch Republican, but is now a solid Greenbacker. He has
been a member in good standing in the German Baptist Church for nearly
twenty years.
SAMUEL T. SPENCER is a native of Hampshire County,
Va., born June 2, 1837. Samuel is the eldest of eleven children in the
family of Andrew and Elizabeth (Dobbins) Spencer, and came with them
to Jasper County, Ind., in 1846, and in the spring of 1851, again
removed with them to Princeton Township, where the father began settle-
ment on Section 7. At the age of twenty-two years, Mr. Spencer began
the trials of life for himself, by doing labor on the farms of other men for
two years, and then worked for his father for some time, but in August,
1862, enlisted in Company G, Sixty-third Indiana Volunteers, remaining
in the service until the close of the war, and after having been in sixteen
356 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
battles was discharged June 21, 1865, at Albany, N. Y., and came home,
and in December following was married to Miss Nancy J, Bunnell, of
Princeton Township, daughter of J. B. and Nancy Bunnell; to this union
have been born six children — Flora, Reed, Edgar, Everett, Orphia and
Leta. Flora died November 4, 1871; Orphia, August 28, 1879;
Everett September 10, 1879. In 1866, Mr. Spencer purchased the
farm on which he now lives, and has become one of the leading farmers
of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer are members of the Christian
Church. Politically, Mr. Spencer has always been a stanch member of
the Republican party.
HON. ANSON "'WOLCOTT is a native of Oneida County, N. Y.,
son of James and Louisa (Gould) Wolcott, born October 21, 1819, and is
the second in a family of five children. The subject of this notice is de-
scended from the old Wolcott family, which has been historically traced
for six hundred years. The first ancestor in America of this gentleman
came from England in 1630 and settled at Boston, then removed to Wind-
sor, and was later found at Hartford. Mr. Wolcott is a distant relative
of Oliver Wolcott, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The father of Mr. Wolcott was a man of very marked character and of
almost unexcelled energy. The mother was a woman of great intelligence
and much force of character. The early education of Anson Wolcott was
such as could be obtained at the public schools in the Empire State. He
read mathematics with ease, accuracy and rapidity. He is found at fif-
teen years of age teaching his first school in Ontario County, N. Y. When
twenty-one years old, he went to Louisiana and began the study of the
law in the office of Judge Peets, in Claiborne Parish. He remained in
the South about a year and a half, and then returned to his native State,
taught school in winter, and continued his law studies in the summer.
He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court at Buffalo, N. Y., iu
1847, and in 1852 admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the
United States. Mr. Wolcott was united in marriage to Miss Georgia
Sayne, of Philadelphia, February 11, 1863. To this union was born
one child. Ebon H. Mrs. Wolcott died August 4, 1877. Mr. Wolcott
came to Princeton Township in 1858, and in 1866 was elected to the
State Senate. He is, without question, one of the best educated men in
the State, and a thorough Republican.
JAMES R. WOODS is a native of North Carolina, was born July
3, ]829, and is the son of Drury and Rhoda (Show) Wood. In the fall
of 1831, the parents of Mr. Wood came to the Hoosier State and stopped
over winter on Blue River, and the next spring came to Tippecanoe
County and settled about ten miles southwest of La Fayette. Here the
family lived for twelve years, and then removed to Benton County and
MONON TOWNSHIP. 357
there resided two years, and then moved into the northern part of West
Point Township, where the father died in 185G, and the mother in
1^78. The subject of this brief sketch remained in the West Point
Township homestead until the death of his father, and then removed
to the place on which he now lives in Princeton Township. He was mar-
ried, April 14, 1857, to Miss Estiier Thomas, daughter of John and Han-
nah Thomas, of West Point Township. To this union have been born
three children, viz.: John A., who died May 20, 1862, Erasmus M. and
Walter H. January, 1863, Mr. Wood enlisted at Reynolds, in Company
K, Twelfth Indiana Cavalry. He was discharged at Baton Rouge, ^ La.
Mr. and Mrs. Wood are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and he is a member of the Independant Order of Odd Fellows, joining
February 7, 1883. Mr. Wood is a Republican.
DAVID WRIGHT is a native of Fayette County, Ohio, born May 1,
1818 ; is German-English descent, and a son of David and Mary (Cook)
Wright, who had born to them a family of nine children, of whom our
subject is the youngest. The father of Mr. Wright died near New Castle,
Henry Co., Ind., March 8, 1845, while on his way from the old Buckeye
home (which he had just sold) to Indiana. The mother died November 28,
1833. Mr. Wright received only a meager education, but now has quite
an extended amount of practical knowledge. In 1838, he came to Clin-
ton County, Ind., and began settlement, and in the fall of 1849 came to
Big Creek Township, this county, and rented a farm of Joseph Thompson.
In the fall of 1850, he came to Princeton Township and bought forty acres
of land at ^1.25 per acre. Mr. Wright has since purchased 160 acres,
and now has one of the best improved farms in Princeton Township.
March 27, 1838, he' married Miss Mary Cormain, a daughter of Daniel
and Jemima Cormain, of Fayette County. They have had seven chil-
dren born to them, viz., Lilly A., Eliza A., Hannah E., Cheniah C,
Christian J., Daniel A. and Sarah M. Mr. Wright and wife are members
of the Christian Church. He has been a life-long Democrat, and is one
of the pioneers of Princeton Township.
MONON TOWNSHIP.
ALFRED BALL was born in Perry County, Ohio, August 14,
1834. When seven years of age his father died. He attended school
for a short time in a log schoolhouse, and worked on the farm until he
was fourteen years old, when he came to White County, Ind. After
remaining here some years, he returned to Ohio, and March 20, 1856,
358 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
was married to Mary J. Leman, born August 1, 1837, daughter of
Hamilton and Mary (Kirk) Leman. By this union they had three chil-
dren — James W. and Hamilton (born in Ohio), and John C. (born in
Indiana). Mr. Ball engaged in farming until 1863, when he enlisted in
Company A, One Hundred and Sixth Ohio Infantry, in which he was
made a Corporal. He was in the battles of Cedar Creek, Winchester,
and others of the Virginia campaign. Upon his discharge, in November,
1864, he resumed farming until 1866, when he sold his place and removed
to this township, where he purchased eighty acres in Section 36, with
some improvements. He also conducted a saw-mill. In 1873, he was
elected Justice of the Peace, and re-elected after serving four years. In
addition to farming, Mr. Ball raises some stock. He is an active Repub-
lican, a member of the G, A. R. and Odd Fellows, and, as is also his
wife, a member of the M. E. Church.
HENRY M. BAUGHMAN was born in Ashland County, Ohio,
July 28, 1831. He is a son of Samuel and Christina (Young) Baughman.
Samuel Baughman was a blacksmith and farmer. When Henry was
thirteen years old, he went to work for his father, who, in 1853, sold his
farm and shop and removed to Noble County, Ind., where he purchased
land and began general blacksmithing. Here Henry finished the trade,
and April 23, 1856, was married to Sarah Eddy, a native of Wayne
County, Ohio, daughter of Myron Eddy, of Noble County, to which
union were born eleven children, all of whom are living — Emma J., Mary
J., Eva M., Florence K., Frank D., Ulysses M., Charles S. M., Chloe
G., Carrie D., Mattie and Lee G. Mr. Baughman now sold a farm he
had purchased in 1860, and engaged in the merchandise business at
Lisbon, which he continued until 1865, when he began a store at Mid-
dlebury Station, where, in 1864, his place was robbed and burned. He
then went into a meat market at Goshen, and afterward into a reaper
fac tory . In 1867, he purchased a farm near Reynolds, on which he raised
some stock. He again engaged in merchandising at Medaryville for
four years, and thence he removed to this township and purchased a farm
of 200 acres. He is now general manager for Turpie Brothers. He is
a member of the Masonic order and of the Lutheran Church.
JOHN W. BRANNAN was born in Perry County, Ohio, November
2, 1841, and is a son of Adam and Rachel Brannan, who came to this
township and purchased a farm when John W. was but four years of age.
After two years, his father died. John W. attended school and worked
on the farm until 1861, when, at the sound of war, he enlisted in Com-
pany K, Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He took part in the
engagement between the Monitor and Merrimac, at second Bull Run,
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and in the first battles of the Wilder-
MONON TOWNSHIP. 359
ness. He was discharged in July, 1864. On October 26, 1865, he
married Louisa J. Line, daughter of David Line, to which union were
born three children — Charles S. (April 24, 1866), Nancy A., deceased
(November 4, 1867), and William D., deceased (October 2, 1871). Mrs.
Brannan died December 27, 1872. She was a member of the M.
E. Church. March 17, 1874, Mr. Brannan married Mary E. Dunlop,
widow of John Dunlop, by whom he had four children — Alice M. (born
February 17, 1875), Harvey H. (October 17, 1876), Clyde M. (Decem-
ber 10, 1878), and Ira 0., deceased (January 18, 1883). Mr. Brannan
has a fine farm of 200 acres, well improved and cultivated. He is a
general farmer, but raises some stock. He is a member of the G. A. R.
He belongs to the M. E. Church and his v/ife to the Presbyterian.
TERRELL BUNCH was born in Nashville, Tenn., June 6, 1828,
and is a son of David and Nancy (Hart) Bunch, the former a native of
Virginia, the latter of South Carolina. In 1834, the father of Terrell
removed to [llinois, and here Terrell attended school and worked on the
farm until the war with Mexico, when he enlisted in Company C, Eighth
Illinois Infantry. In his first battle he was wounded in the leg, and car-
ried to the hospital at Brownsville, Tex. On recovering, he rejoined and
remained with his company until the war ended, and was mustered out
June 4, 1848. Mr. Bunch was married, November 2, 1853, to Ellen
Rider, daughter of Isaiah and Mary (Dunham) Rider, to which union
followed six children — Israel, James B. (deceased), Terestral (deceased),
Isabel (deceased), Charles and Terrell. On the outbreak of the rebell-
ion, he enlisted in Company D, Ninety-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
Was taken prisoner at Elizabethtown, Ky., and sent to parole camp at
St. Louis. Was exchanged and sent to Vicksburg after the surrender,
and thence to Texas. He was at the siege of Spanish Fort, the capt-
ure of Mobile, at New Orleans, and in all those heavy j^attles. He re-
turned home July 13, 1865, sold his farm, and moved to Morris, Grundy
County, where he set up his trade of carpentering, but, after five years,
resumed farming. In 1875, he came to this township and established a
saloon. After two years, he again resumed farming, and was burned
out, when he returned to this township and began the carpentering busi-
ness. Mr. Bunch has been Sheriff, Tax Collector, Justice and Coroner.
He is a Democrat, an Odd Fellow, and a member of the G. A. R.
PATRICK H. CARR was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, March
15, 1851. His parents were natives of Ireland ; came to America in
1831, and located in Auglaize County. Patrick attended school until he
was thirteen years old, when he commenced to work on the Miami Canal
for two years; he then returned to home.labor and attended the Normal
School at Lebanon until about twenty years of age. Afterward he went
360 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
to Illinois, where, in East Lynn, he served as freight and express agent
for three years ; thence he removed to La Fayette, where, on February
10, 1874, he married Julia A. (Moore) Carr, who had one child, James
A. To this union were born three children — John M. (deceased), Charles
C. and Henry L. After his marriage, Mr. Carr began the general mer-
chandise business, which he continued two years ; he was also Deputy
Sheriff one year, and farmed in Pulaski County three years. There sold
out, and in March, 1863, came to this township, purchased a stock and
commenced merchandising, and he .is now one of the leading business
men, Mr. Carr is an active Republican, and a Knight of Pythias ; his
wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
DR. GEORGE R. CLAYTON was born in Pike County, 111.,
April 20, 1854, and is a son of Thomas C. and Margaret (Carrier) Clay-
ton, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Virginia. Both
emigrated to Ohio at an early day, whence they moved to Illinois. Dr.
Clayton attended school irregularly until he was twenty years of age, ob-
taining education under disadvantages. In 1874, he commenced to read
medicine with Dr. A. E. McNeall, of Brownsburg, 111., and supported
himself by teaching for a period of five years, when he entered the Med-
ical College at Keokuk, Iowa, for one term, and one year later attended
the Kentucky School of Medicine, at Louisville, where he graduated with
the highest honors, June 30, 1880. He began practice at Donaldson,
Iowa, remaining about one year, thence going to Rockfield, Carroll
County. On returning home, during holidays, he was married to Nettie
E. Sharer, born April 3, 1854, daughter of John C. and Margaret
(Askin) Sharer, of Fulton County, Penn. He afterward settled in this
township, where he has an extensive practice. He is an Odd Fellow and
a Republican.
WILLIAM COOPER was born in Muskingum County, Penn., Janu-
ary 15, 1828, and is a sou of Thomas and Tacey A. (Saaapsoa) Cooper, also
natives of Pennsylvania. When William was about two years of age, his
father moved to Champaign County, Ohio, where he purchased a farm,
but where William had but spare opportunities for schooling. He worked
on the home farm until he was twenty years of age, when, in March
1848, he was married to Sarah J. Hess, born December 25, 1827, daugh-
ter of Peter and Phebe (Collins) Hess, which union was blessed with
thirteen children — Samuel F., infant boy (deceased), Minerva (de-
ceased, Mary (deceased), Anna M., Isaac, Louisa, Lydia A., James, Cal-
vin, William C H., John S. (deceased), and Martha E. In 1859, Mr.
Cooper removed to Madison County, Ohio, where he farmed until 1866,
and thence to this township, where he purchased 100 acres of wild land'
At this time, by prudence and industry, he has added to the same until it
MONON TOWNSHIP. 361
numbers 220 acres of excellent land. He is said to raise the best corn
in the county. He is a Democrat and a good citizen.
ELI W. COWGER was born at Monticello, White County, Ind., No-
vember 13, 1837, and is a son of Silas and Elizabeth S. (Bott) Cowger,
the former born in Virginia November 25, 1809, the latter also in Vir-
ginia November 29, 1815. They were married in 1834. The father of
Eli came to and settled in this county, building a log cabin on the Monon.
Eli had but sparse learning ; he remained on the paternal farm until he
was twenty-four years of age. On March 10. 1862, he was married to
Nancy Downey, daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Moore) Downey,
born November 5, 1839. To this union succeeded seven children — Alice R.,
born April 9, 1863 ; Charles W., born December 16, 1865 ; William A.,
born October 20, 1868, deceased ; Ida M., born April 2, 1870 ; Elizabeth
C, born September 29, 1872 ; Thomas S., born February 4, 1876, and
Clara E., born October 6, 1879. Mr. Cowger purchased 120 acres of
land in 1865, and now has 354 acres, all well improved. In addition to
farming in general, he gives large attention to the purchase and sale of
stock. Mr. Cowger is a Jackson Democrat, and has been Road Superin-
tendent and County Commissioner. He is a member of the Odd Fellows'
fraternity, and his wife is a communicant of the Presbyterian Church.
GEORGE W. COWGER was born in this township October 3,
1841, and is a son of Silas and Elizabeth S. (Bott) Cowger. His par-
ents were early settlers of this township. During his boyhood, he attended
school and worked on the farm alternately, and when only sixteen he
split 384 white oak rails in addition to other work. On November 16,
1864, he enlisted in Company A, Seventeenth Indiana Mounted Infantry.
He took part in the battles of Selma, Ala., Macon, Ga., and remained
with his company until mustered out, when he resumed farm labor. In
1867, he purchased forty acres in Section 35, Range 4, also forty acres
north of said range. On December 8, 1869, he married Mary Dunlap,
born May 27, 1844, daughter of John and Charlotte (Brackenridge) Dun-
lap, of this county. To them have been born five children — George A.,
September 14, 1870 ; Elizabeth C, April 5, 1873; William H., August
22, 1875; infant boy (deceased), February 27, 1877, and John S., Feb-
ruary 27, 1878. Mr. Cowger has a good and well-improved farm. He
is a Democrat, a member of the G. A. R., of which he is Chaplain, and,
as is also his wife, a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HENRY CRUMBO is a native of Germany, born July 13, 1818,
and a son of Andy and Mary (Bachardt) Crumbo. Henry attended
school until he was fourteen years old, when he began to learn the stone
cutting and mason trade, afterward working in various places until 1837,
when he returned home and was married to Wilomena Ilebner, born Au-
362 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
gust 8, 1818. In 1838, he came to America, and three years later sent
for his wife, and located in New Orleans, where he worked at brick-laying.
On the outbreak of the Mexican war, he volunteered, and after his re-
turn he moved to New Albany, Ind., purchased a home, and began busi-
ness as a stonemason and stonecutter, which he continued nineteen years.
This he then sold, and purchased 400 acres in Salem Township, Pulaski
Co., Ind., where he followed farming and stock-raising. While living
here, his house and its contents were lost by fire ; he also lost 3,000 cattle
by disease. Mr. and Mrs. Crumbo have had ten children — Edward, So-
phie, Alfred (a soldier of Company A, Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry,
killed by steamboat explosion at Island No. 12), Henry (deceased), Laura
(deceased,) Alexander, Mena, Louisa, Lizzie and Harmon. Mr. Crumbo
is independent in politics.
JOHN DAY was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 3, 1813, and
is a son of Thomas and Mary (Flora) Day. He obtained what schooling
he could until be became sixteen years old, when he worked on the farm.
He was married to Elizabeth Hoober October 3, 1835. She was born
in Virginia April 11, 1817, to which union followed twelve children —
Thomas J., Harriet, Mary C. (deceased), Rebecca J., Margaret A.,
William R., John H., Henry A., Barbara S., Jacob W., George W. (de-
ceased), and Carlinda R. (deceased). In 1865, Mr. Day returned from
Ohio to Pulaski County, Ind., where he purchased sixty acres of improved
farm land, on which he resided four years, when he purchased a farm in
Monon Township, White County, on which he lives. He is a general
farmer and stock-raiser. In politics, he is Republican. His wife is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JAMES M. DE VALTLT was born in Fayette County, Ohio, Janu-
ary 24, 1842, and is a son of Nicholas and Lavina (Kilgore) De Vault.
His father removed to Madison County, Ohio, when he was eight years
old. James attended school until he was about fifteen years of age, when
he worked for himself until 1861, when he enlisted in the Eighty-sixth
Ohio Infantry for three months ; he was honorably discharged, resumed
work at home, and in July, 1863, re-enlisted in the Tenth Ohio Cavalry;
he was in the battle of Shelbyville, under Gen. Kilpatrick, and with Gen.
Sherman from Atlanta to the sea. He was finally discharged July 21,
1865, and on February 22, 1866, was married to Deborah Rightsel,
daughter of John and Jane (Orcutt) Rightsel, by whom he had seven
children — Josephine E., LTlysses Grant, Laura R., Louis and Lerry
(twins), Jennie and Frank E. In 1866, Mr. De Vault came to this
township and purchased sixty acres of wild land in Section 2, which is
now well improved. Mr. De Vault is an Odd Fellow. His daughter,
Josephine, is a school teacher in Beaver Township, Pulaski County.
MONON TOWNSHIP. 363
EVAN B. EGBERT was born in Woodford County, 111., May 16,
1858 ; he is a son of John W. >nd Elura A. (Seargent) Egbert, the
former born in Brown County, Ohio, July 10, 1833, the latter in Cler-
mont County. Ohio, about the same year. The parents of Evan moved
first to Woodford County, and afterward to Coles County, 111., where
Evan attended school until 1871, and later at Mahomet for three years,
and then at an academy at Charleston for one year. On returning home,
he learned the trade of a carpenter, and, in 1879, went into his father's
store at Mahomet, and from there to college at Bioomington, from which
he graduated in 1881, and became book-keeper for his father. On
December 21, 1881, he married Lula Johnson, daughter of James H.
and Matilda (Coffman) Johnson. Mr. Egbert remained with his father
until January 1, 1883, when he came to this township and opened a
hardware and tin ; store, keeping stoves, pumps, barbed wire, sewing ma-
chines, etc. Though he has been but a short time in this place, he has
the reputation of being a good business man.
DAVID GRIFFITH was born in Berks County, Penn., February
16, 1802, and is a son of John and Sarah (Mea) Griffith. David had
but slender opportunities for obtaining education, having been put to the
plow when quite young. In 1815, his father emigrated to Perry County,
Ohio, David remaining with him on the farm until nineteen years old,
when he removed to Muskingum County, where he farmed for many
years. He was married, November 12, 1838, to Catherine Griffin, to
which union succeeded nine childten — George W. (deceased), Mary E.
(deceased), Sarah J. (deceased), Julia A. (deceased), Sarah J., Mahala
A., Caroline, David and Charlie. After giving up farming, Mr. Griffith
drove for the Ohio Stage Company twenty-six years. In 1856, he
removed to this township, and located upon land entered by him in 1831.
Upon this he built a house and made other improvements ; he raises con-
siderable stock. Although in his eighty-second year, Mr. Griffith is
active and well. He is a Jacksonian Democrat, and both he and wife
are members of the Presbyterian Church.
ELIAS HEIDELBERGER was born in the province of Baden,
Germany, May 11, 1825. He attended school until he was fourteen
years of age, when he learned the trade of baking, which trade he fol-
lowed until he was twenty-one years old, and worked in Prussia, Bavaria,
France and other places. In 1847, he came to America and located in
Delphi, Ind., where he began peddling successfully, and was soon able
to open a store, which he did in 1851, and on the 15th of November of
that year, he married Barbara Forman, of Delphi, by which union were
four children — Rosa, Fannie, Louis and Clara. He sold his business in
Delphi to engage in the dry goods trade with his brothers, Moses and
364 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Louis, at Pittsburg, Carroll County, which, after three years, they trans-
ferred to Rock Island, 111., comprising wholesale dry goods, notions, fur-
nishings, etc. In 1860, he closed this out, went to Chicago for a time,
and afterward resumed peddling in Indiana. In 1863, he began a store
at Francesville, Pulaski County, thence moving to Rensselaer, where he
continued business for ten years. After living in Attica, Frankfort and
La Fayette for varying periods, he sold again in 1875, and resumed
traveling through Indiana in the general produce trade. In December,
1882, he came to Monon, and began a general store with others, under
the firm name of Leopold, Heidelberger & Co.
THEODORE HILDEBRAND was born in Lancaster County, Penn.,
September 23, 1830, and is a son of John W. and Elizabeth Ann (Shultz)
Hildebrand, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Germany.
When Theodore was eight years old, his father ren^ved to Harrison
County, Ind., and thence to Floyd County, where he died five years later.
When about thirteen years of age, Theodore removed to Louisville, Ky.,
where he learned the trade of blacksmithing, and where he labored for sev-
eral years. He was married, December 12, 1854, to Jerusha Adeline
Crealy, of New Albany, Ind,, daughter of John P. Crealy, to which union
were born seven children — William N. (deceased), Margaret J. (deceased),
John W. (deceased), Theresa G., Lillie May, Ella J., and an infant boy
(deceased). In 1856, he came to Monon, where he worked for his brother
at blacksmithing for one year, when he purchased his brother's business,
in which he is now engaged. He also deals in agricultural implements,
carriages, wagons, etc. He is a good business man, an Odd Fellow, a
Republican, and, as is also his wife, a member of the Baptist Church.
URIAH S. HUSSEY was born in Delaware County. Ind., December
17, 1835 ; he is a son of Raymoth and Elizabeth (Thornburg) Hussey.
The father of Uriah, when a youth, moved to Michigan City, and assisted
in building the third house erected there. When Uriah was a year old,
his father moved to Ohio, where Uriah attended school and worked on
the farm ; afterward he attended a select school and finished his education
at Oberlin College. He was then engaged in a store at Newport, Madi-
son County, Ohio. In June, 1861, he was married to Emma A. Peck,
daughter of Gideon and Deborah Peck, by whom he had two children —
James C. and Sarah A. Being economical, Mr. Hussey was soon able to
purchase a small farm. In May, 1864, he enlisted in Company A, One
Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Regiment (hundred-day men) ; was sent to
West Virginia, and then as a guard of prisoners to Camp Chase, Ohio.
After his discharge, he sold his farm and came to this township, where he
purchased 40 acres in Section 2 ; he now owns 160 acres of good land, and
has taken many premiums for his hogs at county fairs. Mr. Hussey sue-
f HI I^EW YGKK
tit®«N FOU>«JDAT!..-.'
MONON TOWNSHIP. 367
ceeded in carrying the first petition for ditching. He is an active
Republican, an Odd Fellow, and, as is also his wife, a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
RICHARD IMES, Sr., was born in Greene County, Penn., June 18,
1821, and is a son ^ of Richard and Mary (Shidler) Imes. When
Richard was six years of age, his father died, and he alternated between
school and the farm until he was fifteen, when his mother sold the farm
and removed to White County, Ind., where she purchased land, which
Richard superintended. He was married, November 23, 1843, to Mary
A. Orr, born in Greene County, Penn., November 6, 1816, to which union
were born eight children — Mary E., October 24, 1844 ; George W.,
October 24, 1846 (deceased) ; Jasper N., August 11, 1848 (deceased) ;
Letitia M., February 7, 1850 (deceased) ; Melissa J., March 17, 1852
(deceased) ; Melinda C, August 21, 1853 (deceased) ; Alice C, November
2, 1855 ; and Susan, May 23, 1858 (deceased). After his marriage, Mr.
Imes farmed in Union Township, where he had land, and also raised
stock. In 1862, he sold this place and purchased 120 acres in Marion
Township, Section 30 ; the farm now comprises 200 acres, and is said to
be as fine as any in the township. He does general farming, and has
some fine horses, cattle and hogs. Mr. Imes is a Jacksonian Democrat,
and a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is a much respected
citizen.
HIRAM N. JACKS was born in this county in 1841. His parents
Isaac and Deborah (Wilson) Jacks, were natives of South Carolina and
Kentucky. When young, they both came with their parents to Rush
County, Ind., where they married, and soon after moved to White County.
Isaac entered a tract of land and made a farm. They were among the
first settlers of this county, and for some time manufactured their own
clothes. They reared the following children — William H., Thomas P.,
Hiram N., James M., Andrew S., Isaac, Allen M. and Lewis M. The
parents are both deceased, and are buried in the Osborn Cemetery.
Hiram N. Jacks was married in 1861 to Miss Mary E. Pride, who was
born in Rush County in 1844. They have five children — Martha A.,
Otis, Willard I., Stella and Maud. He owns a farm one mile north of
theL., C. & N. A. R. R. On this farm there is one of the best artesian
wells in the State. Mr. Jacks was in the Eighty-seventh Indiana Vol-
unteers, and was wounded at Chickamauga. His brother James M., a
member of the same regiment, was killed in the same engagement. Another
brother, John W., was a member of the Eleventh Indiana Cavalry.
JONATHAN M. KELLOGG was born in Montgomery County,
Ohio, February 19, 1809 ; he is a son of Ethel and Charlotte (Munger)
Kellogg. Jonathan attended school and worked for his father on the farm
368 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. '
until 1832, when his father removed to Tippecanoe County, Ind. Jona-
than was married February 3, 1835, to Hannah Jennings, to which union
were born seven children — Ethel (deceased), Levi (deceased), Elizabeth,
Henry, Charlotte, infant boy (deceased), infant girl (deceased). Mrs,
Kellogg died August 12, 1848. On March 17, 1850, Mr. Kellogg mar-
ried Elizabeth Martin, by whom he had four children — Mary, Joseph and
two infant girls (deceased); this wife died April 20, 1867. He was
next married, March 19, 1868, to Susan McManus, this marriage being
without issue. In 1871, Mr. Kellogg came to this township and engaged
in merchandising for several years, when he disposed of his stock and be-
came Postmaster on October 19, 1874, which position he yet holds. He
is now in his aeventy-fourth year, but hale and hearty. He is a Repub-
lican, and very highly esteemed.
HUGH LOWE was born in Fayette County, Ind., March 30, 1830,
and is the son of Charles S. and Elizabeth (Dickey) Lowe ; the former a
native of Marion County, Va., the latter of Fayette County, Ind. The
father of Hugh was a general trader, and when Hugh was four years old
he removed to Miami County, entered and cleared land, on which he lived
three years, then sold and removed to Peru. In spring, 1834, he came to
Monon Township, purchased a farm in Section 24, on which he lived
until his death — about 1842. After his father's decease, Hugh remained
at home with his mother until sixteen years of age, when he went to an
uncle in Virginia, where he attended school ; later, he returned to Indiana
and became a trader — beginning with a shot-gun and ending with some
calves, so that when twenty-one years old he possessed $4,500. He
purchased 120 acres in Monon Township ; to-day he has in this township
2,100 acres, besides other lands and cattle, in which he is the heaviest
dealer in the county. Mr. Lowe was married, March 4, 1852, to Eleanor
M. Wilson, daughter of John Wilson, by whom he had seven children —
Lillie F., Charles W., Jessie L., Clara M. (deceased). May M., Hugh C.
and Eleanor B. (deceased). Mrs. Lowe died October 9, 1873. On May
29, 1877, he married Mary E. Bussell, daughter of William W. and
Clara P. (Leffler) Bussell. Mr. Lowe ha;s one of the finest residences in
the township. Mrs. Lowe is a member of the Christian Church.
ALLEN W. LUC US was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind., March 2,
1853, and is a son of Luther and Catherine M. (Gillespie) Lucus, the
former a native of Ross County, Ohio, the latter of Bath County, Va.
Both emigrated to Tippecanoe County in the early days, and afterward
removed to Pulaski County, where his father engaged in farming for
seven years ; thence he removed to this county and purchased a farm on
the Big Monon. Allen W. received what education he could during
winter, and worked on the farm during summer. On February 26, 1874,
MONON TOWNSHIP. 369
he was married to Martha L. Fisher, born January 21, 1854, (hiughter
of Jonas and Emeline (Hastings) Fisher, to which union succeeded four
children — Montroit, Rutherford, Luther and Clara. After his father's
death. Mr. Lucus moved near Brookston, where he farmed some time, but
returned to the homestead, where now resides. He is a general farmer,
but gives some attention to stock. He is a Republican and a respected
citizen.
HORACE C. LYMAN was born in Licking County, Ohio, Novem-
ber 26, 1840. He attended school and worked on his father's farm until
he was fourteen years old, when, in consequence of a kick from a horse,
he was confined to the house nearly three years. After recovery, he gave
attention to raising of stock, and when twenty-four years of age had
saved $1,000, and received from his father 100 acres. On February 5,
1865, he married Livonia Denman, daughter of Ludlow and Anna Den-
man, of Morrow County, Ohio ; by this union they had two children —
Hortense and Abner. Mrs. Lyman died May 17, 1871; she was a mem-
ber of the Baptist Church. On December 31. 1873, Mr. Lyman married
Dora E. Gardner, of Morrow County, Ohio, to which union were born
three children — Joseph H.. Birdella and Bessie. Mr. Lyman was for six
years in the real estate business in Columbus, Ohio, and while there ex-
changed for a farm of 160 acres in Pulaski County, Ind., and again for
one of 265 acres in this township, upon which he now resides. He raises
considerable sheep and cattle, also some blooded horses. He is a member
of the Masonic order, a Republican, and, as also his wife, a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
WILLIAM L. McDonald was born in Juniata County, Penn..
December 28, 1820, and is of Scotch-German descent. William attended
school about three months in each year; he worked on the paternal farm
until he was twenty-three years old, and thereafter on the Pennsylvania
Canal. On the death of his father, in 1849, he and his brother united
to support their mother and family. On March 10, 1852, he married
Rebecca, daughter of Dederick Foltz, of Juniata County, Penn.; to this
union were born nine children — Catharine A., Amanda J., John P., May
E., Martha M., William B., George F., Sarah A. and Joseph (deceased).
During the year of his marriage, he removed to Carroll County, Ind.,
and in 1861 sold there and came to this township, where he purchased
120 acres in Sections 23, 25 and 26. On this, he made many improve-
ments, and has now 200 acres under good cultivation ; he also deals
largely in stock. By industry and providence, Mr. McDonald has ac-
cumulated an independence. Heisan Independent Democrat and a good
citizen.
JOHN D. MOORE was born in Morgan County, Ohio, October 8,
370 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
1822 ; he is a son of Thomas and Maria (Lupordis) Moore, the former
a native of Greene County, Penn., the latter of Washington County,
Ohio. John M. rode the horse that tramped the mud to chink the first
log schoolhouse in Morgan County ; this he attended in winter and worked
on the farm in summer. When twenty years old, he worked continuously
on the farm, saved his wages, and when twenty-fiv6 years of age pur-
chase eighty acres, with some improvements. He was married, March 16,
1848, to Sarah E. Paul, born March 15, 1825, daughter of Jacob and
Elizabeth (Harding) Paul; to this union were born ten children — Marie
E., Joseph W., Rachel L., Arilla P., Laura H., John C. (deceased),
Thomas P., Jacob D., Sarah A. (deceased) and Benjamin J. By hard
labor and economy, Mr. Moore added to his original farm until it num-
bered 200 acres. In 1858, he traded this for one of 400 acres in this
township, where he and family have since resided. Mr. Moore is a gen-
eral farmer and one of the largest cattle buyers of the township. He has
in all about 1,000 acres, with good improvements. He and wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HENRY L. MURRAY was born in this township September 16,
1840, and is a son of Daniel and Mary (Kenton) Murray, the former a
native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. The parents of Henry re-
moved to Monon Township, White Co., Ind., in 1836, where they built a
log cabin and cleared a farm, on which Henry assisted until the begin-
ning of the late war, when he enlisted in Company B, Ninth Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, August 14, 1861. He was in the battles of Green-
brier, Va., Pittsburg Landing, siege of Corinth, luka and Huntsville ;
he was given the post of honor as escort to Gen. Nelson to Bowling
Green for bravery at the battle of Perry ville. Having received a wound
at Pittsburg Landing, he was discharged in January, 1863. May 3,
1866, he was married to Emma Beckey, daughter of David Beckey, of
this township, to which union were born five children — Alfred (deceased),
Jennie, Clara, Frank and Emma (deceased). Mrs. Murray died Septem-
ber 6, 1877. On December 30, 1882, he married Mary Russell, daugh-
ter of Sherman and Margaret (Layman) Russell. Mr. Murray is a mem-
ber of Freemasons and G. A. R.; he is an active Republican, and is now
Trustee of his township. His wife is a member of the Christian Church.
Mr. Murray resides upon and owns 120 acres.
DR. JOHN T. REED was born in Delaware County, Ind., May 9,
1850. He is a son of James M. and Nancy E. (Smith) Reed, the former
having been born in Clinton County, Ohio, in 1826, the latter in Barthol-
omew County, Ind., in 1827. Dr. Reed attended school, and labored on
the paternal farm until he was seventeen years old, when he began the
study of medicine with Dr. B. F. Snodgrass, of Delaware County. He
MONON TOWNSHIP. ' 371
was an industrious, determined youth, and succeeded in saving sufficient
means to attend the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati, and, by
turns, taught school in Delaware, White and Pulaski Counties. After-
ward, he became a clerk at Yorktown, and on April 11, 1872, married
Henrietta A. Stephenson, of Muncie ; to this union were bestowed five
children — Berthji May (deceased), Alonzo E., Charles M.,Roscoe C and
Bessie M. After his marriage, he resumed farming and teaching, and in
1876 moved to Tippecanoe County and began the practice of medicine ;
thence to Beaver Township, Pulaski County, and finally to this township,
where he has erected a fine store and dwelling, and obtained a fair prac-
tice. Dr. Reed is an Odd Fellow, and in politics a Republican.
PATRICK RYAN was born in Ireland December 21, 1827, and is a
son of Patrick and Ellen Ryan. The father of Patrick was a farmer of
moderate means, but sent this son to school until he was thirteen years
old, after which he worked on the farm until 1849, when he came to
America and worked in New York State. In 1850, he married Julia Lan-
phiar, daughter of Ambrose and Mary (Ryan) Lanphiar, of Rochester.
He now learned the trade of a stone mason, and in 1852 came to Indiana
and located at Delphi, where he worked as a tradesman on the Wabash
Railroad, and afterward on a farm in Carroll County, in which location
he resided until 1859, when he removed to Monon Township. There he
purchased 160 acres of wild land, in Section 35, and has now as good a
farm as the township contains. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan have had six children
— Ellen, Mary, Julia A., W^illiam H. (deceased), Joseph and Thomas F.
The family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Ryan is a Demo-
crat, and one of the best citizens.
GEORGE SAYLOR was born in Lancaster County, Penn., Novem-
ber 22, 1807, and is a son of George and Polly (Friestone) Saylor. Mr.
Saylor, Sr., was by trade a blacksmith, and had done some farming.
George attended school and worked on the paternal farm until nineteen
years old, and then worked exclusively on the farm. On December 9,
1830, he married Elizabeth Cochanour, by whom he had one child, Jacob
(deceased). Mrs. Saylor died May 22. 1834. and on January 15, 1835,
he married Rebecca Umberger, of York County, Penn., by whom he had
seven children — David, George, Elizabeth, Mary A., John L, (deceased),
Samuel H. (deceased) and Isaac F. In 1843, he came to this township and
purchased 120 acres of wild land, on which he made a home and which he
improved and cultivated. In addition to his farm produce he raises some
stock. Mrs. Saylor died October 18, 1872 ; she was a member of the Chris-
tian Church. On April 16, 1874, he married Anna Morecraft, widow of
Jonathan Morecraft, and daughter of Daniel and Maria ( Smith) Hull . Mr.
Saylor is a Republican, and has been Township Trustee and Justice of the
Peace.
372 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
JAMES K. SHEETS was born in Virginia, May, 1838. His
father emigrated to Clinton County, Ind., where James attended school
and worked for his father until August 30, 1862, when he enlisted in
Company K, Second Indiana Mounted Infantry, in which he served
three years. On returning home, he resumed his labor on the farm, and
on February 28, 1872, was married to Elizabeth Landis, daughter of
Samuel and Catherine (Fellhoff) Landis, of Clinton County ; to this union
were born five children — Rosa C, Dora B., Samuel H., James H. and
Charles William. Mr. Sheets sold his farm in 1876, and bought eighty
acres of land in Section 21, of this township. Here he settled to general
farming and some stock-raising. In 1882, he built a good house Avith
other improvements, but death soon called him to rest. On February
26, 1883, he was fatally injured by a treetop falling upon him while
cutting timber ; his death occurred March 1. He was a good man, a
member of the Baptist Church, and a highly respected citizen.
ADDISON K. SILLS was born in Crittenden County, Ky., Janu-
ary 14, 1855, and is the son of Benjamin D. and Catherine (Stewart)
Sills, both natives of Kentucky, and respectively born in 1827 and 1833.
Addison attended his first school in a log house, in Ballard County,
when five years of age, and about this time his father died; his mother
then moved to Metropolis, 111., and thence to this county, Addison
attending school at both places. At the early age of ten, he began work-
ing out on farms, studying during all his spare hours, and was finally
granted a license, September 28, 1872, to teach in the public schools.
He taught at various places, and in the winter of 1874 came to Monon
and engaged in teaching. October 17, 1875, he married Lavinia C.
Ramsey, who has borne him three children — Maud, Ethel and Lyman,
all now deceased. During his spare hours, he also studied law, and was
admitted to the bar in June, 1875. In 1878, he started a drug store in
his own two-story building, and conducted it until 1882, when he sold.
Mr. Sills is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias, has served as a Justiceo f
the Peace, and in politics is a Republican ; his wife is a member of the
Baptist Church, which he also attends.
THE TURPIE BROTHERS (William and James H.) were born in
Ireland, William on August 26, 1848, and James H. on August 15,
1850. Their parents, James and Bridget (Finn) Turpie, were also
natives of Ireland. The father came first to America and purchased a
small farm in this county. In 1857, he sent for his family. The broth-
ers attended the school of Thomas Jones ; they also worked on farms,
saved their money, and soon had sufiicient to purchase eighty acres of
wild land in Honey Creek Township, in this county. On this they
began life, having built a house and made other improvements. In
MONON TOWNSHIP 373
1866, while hunting, James was injured by the discharge of a gun, which
resulted in the loss of his left arm below the* shoulder, but after recover-
ing he could still do good work on the farm. In 1868, James H. taught
school five terms at Reynolds and Medaryville ; he afterward attended
school, and in 1874 studied law two years with Robert Gregory. Finally
the brothers settled in this townsnip, and in December, 1876, bought a
stock of general merchandise, and also began the real estate business.
They have been very successful, having large properties in Ohio, and
in this and Pulaski, Stark and Jasper Counties, and in Kentucky,
Nebraska and Missouri. All they possess is the issue of hard work and
perseverance. They occupy one of the finest residences in the township.
In January, 1882, their storehouse was burned, causing a loss of
$52,000, insured for $25,000. In 1878, William had also a severe
accident, his scalp being torn from his head, while riding in a railroad
omnibus. William was married, March 23, 1868, to Mary F. McCrag,
born June 15, 1850, daughter of John and Rebecca (Askey) McCrag ;
they have had five children — Viola J., James H., John William (de-
ceased), Emma C. and Anna A. James H. was married, January 16,
1873, to Emma J. Baughman, born July 5, 1857, daughter of Henry
M. and Sarah (Eddy) Baughman ; they, too, have had five children —
Berl A., Mary J., Alice M., William H. and an infant. The brothers
are Republicans, and public-spirited and respected gentlemen.
JESSE L. WATSON was born in Bedford County, Va., April 23,
1806, and is a son of Thomas and Rebetta (Mobeman) Watson. When
Jesse was five years old, his father removed to Greene County, Ohio, and
engaged in mercantile business, and to Jamestown when he was fourteen
years old, and conducted the same line. Here Jesse remained assisting
his father until he was married, February 7, 1828, to Mary McCart. On
October 30, 1829, he moved to Tippecanoe County, Ind., where he re-
mained one year, and thence to this county, where he bought forty acres
of timber land, which he cleared, and built a log cabin — 16x18 — one of
the first in the county. He and his brother farmed and raised stock
together. In 1833, his father removed from Ohio to Tippecanoe County,
and leased Davis' Ferry, in which Jesse assisted him during four years,
and afterward engaged with his brother, Charles M., in mercantile busi-
ness at the Battle Ground. In 1855, he returned to White County, and
purchased town lots in New Bradford (now called Monon). Mr. Watson's
wife died in April, 1842, and in June, 1844, he married Sarah Peck, of
Dearborn County, who also died in 1846, leaving one child — William W.
In 1848, he married Mary Langsdon, of Montgomery County, Ohio, by
whom he had five children, of whom but one — James S. — survives ; this
Vfife died in 1855. In 1857, he married Delinda Dewace, of Ohio, and
374 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
the same year purchased the only tavern in the village, but afterward en-
gaged in merchandising until 1870, when he traded this for a farm ; he
is now in the lumber business. Mr. Watson has been Justice, Notary and
Postmaster, and is the oldest survivor in the county.
JOHN M. WINKLEY was born December 1, 1849, in this township.
When seven years of age, he attended school at New Bradford, until his
father moved to Winamac, Pulaski County, where he attended school un-
til 1862, when he began to learn type-setting in the Democrat office at
Winamac. When he had finished this business he returned to Monon,
and subsequently attended school in Salem Township, Pulaski County.
He then learned shoe-making, and kept a shop at Monon for two years ;
he was also in the confectionery business, which he gave up when elected
Justice of the Peace, in 1880, as which he served four years. Mr. Wink-
ley was married September 27, 1874, to Laura E. Grady, born April 23?
1856, daughter of Jackson K. Grady, to which were born three children — ■
Francis M. (deceased), Harry S. and Dora. Mr. Winkley has built a
good home, and dealt considerably in real estate. His parents were na-
tives of Ohio, married in Allen County, in that State, September 13,
1846, and came to Monon Township in 1847, as pioneers. Mr. Winkley
is a member of the Odd Fellow fraternity, and Mrs. Winkley is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
BIG CREEK TOWNSHIP.
JOHN ALKIRE was born in Ohio December 20, 1825, and was one
of the twelve children born to Samuel and Dollie (Alkire) Alkire, both
natives of the same State. Samuel Alkire was married in Ohio, and in
1830 or 1831 came with his family to Prairie Township, this county ; he
remained one year, moved to Illinois for a year, and then returned and
entered 600 acres in Prairie and Big Creek Townships, erecting his cabin
on the Big Creek portion. John Alkire received an ordinary frontier
education, and, at his majority, was presented by his father with forty
acres in this township, to which he added from time to time till he be-
came owner of a fine farm of 240 acres, partly in Big Creek and partly in
Prairie. December 10, 1848, he married Margaret L. Adam, who was
born in Ross County, Ohio, November 21, 1828. She is the daughter of
Robert and Mary (Mowbray) Adam, natives of Virginia and Maryland,
and of Scotch and German descent. Robert Adam was a pioneer of
White County, having settled in the southern part in 1837. Of the seven
children born to Mr. and Mrs. John Alkire, four are yet living — Robert
BIG CREEK TOWNSHIP. 375
S., William J., Henry N. and Franklin H. Mr. Alkire died at his home
in this township, October 18, 1865. In politics, he was a Republican,
and he was one of the oldest settlers as well as one of the most respected
citizens of the township. Mrs. Margaret L. Alkire still resides on a part
of the home farm, a consistent member of the Christian Churcii, and
highly esteemed by all her neighbors.
WILLIAM S AYIIES was born in Prince William County, Va.,
August 23, 1842, and is the eldest of the six children born to Daniel and
Amanda (Davis) Ay res, natives of Loudoun County, Va., and of English
descent. The father was a farmer ; was married in Loudoun County, and
died on his farm in Prince William County September 13, 1856. Will-
iam S. Ayres was reared a farmer, but before reaching his twentieth year
became a soldier. He enlisted, in April, 1861, in Company A, Thirty-
eighth Virginia Light Artillery, C. S. A., a part of Gen. Longstreet's
corps in Gen. Lee's Army of North Virginia, and served until the fall of
1864, when he was transferred to Capt. Stribling's cavalry company,
forming a part of Lee's body-guard. April 2, 1865, he was taken pris-
oner and confined at Point Lookout, Md., until the close of the war, being
discharged June 12, 1865. In the spring of 1866, he came to this county
and engaged in farming. He was married, July 4, 1871, to Miss L. V.
Plumb, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio. She has borne him one child
— Virginia Lee. In politics, Mr. Ayres is a Republican.
WILLIAM J. BAUGH, M. D., was born in Kentucky, and is a son
of Thomas and Nancy (Paris) Baugh, natives of the same State. Thomas
Baugh was a machinist in early life, but subsequently became a farmer.
He was married in Kentucky, and there died in 1862 or 1863. William
J. Baugh learned engineering and machine-work in his youth, and at the
early age of sixteen traveled from place to place in the West and South,
engaged in his trade. In 1851, he returned to Kentucky and engaged in
mercantile trade at Port Royal until 1854, and then went to Boones-
boro, Mo., where he also engaged in merchandising. In 1856, he
embarked in trade at Omaha, Neb., and in 1859 removed his goods to
Denver, where in a few months he sold most of his stock, and started a
wholesale peddling wagon through the camps of Colorado, Arizona, New
and Old Mexico and Texas, also engaging in the trading of horses, mules
and cattle. He thus continued until the fall of 1862, when with others
he laid out Bannack City, the first town of Montana. In the spring of
1864, he resumed the road, and was variously employed until 1867, when
he went into the hotel business, which he followed at different points un-
til the fall of 1869, when for seven or eight months he engaged in steam-
boating on the Lower Mississippi. In the spring of 1870, he began the
study and practice of medicine at Cincinnati and Covington ; from 1875
376 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
to 1877, he practiced in Ciiampaign County, 111. ; in the class of 1877-78,
he graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Indianapolis.
In the spring of 1878, he came to Chalmers, this township, where he has
acquired an extensive practice. Dr. Baugh was married in 1845 to
Louisa R. Hanks, who has borne him four children, of whom three are still
living. The lady died at Chicago in 1866, a memberof the M. E. Church.
The Doctor is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and was a charter member of
Henry Lodge. No. 101, of Kentucky.
JOHN B. BUNNELL was born in this township February 2, 1839,
and is the second in the family of five children born to Thomas and Nancy
Bunnell, both natives of Warren County, Ohio. Thomas Bunnell was
a carpenter, and came to this township in March, 1834. Here he was
married on the 2d day of April following, and in the same year en-
tered 280 acres of land, which he improved and resided upon until his
death, July 16, 1870, owning at that time between 1,100 and 1,200
acres. He was for four years Trustee of the township, was a Freema-
son and a member of the M. E. Church, and a Republican. Mrs. Nancy
Bunnell still resides on the old homestead, and she also is a member of
the M. E. Church.. John B. Bunnell was educated at the frontier school-
house, and has always lived at and been employed upon the home farm,
which he and his mother now own. He has never married. In politics,
he is a Republican, and is one of the leading farmers of the township and
the county.
JOHN N. BUNNELL was born in this township September 28,
1836, and is the third in a family of ten children born to Nathaniel and
and Susanna (Runyon) Bunnell. John N. Bunnell was educated in the
ordinary schoolhouse of the frontier, constructed of logs and supplied
with puncheon floor and slab seats. Until twenty-one years of age, he
worked on the home farm, giving his service to his parents, but after that
time he worked the farm on shares, and now owns the old place. In the
fall of 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteer
Infantry, and served until December 26, 1864, when he was discharged
at New Orleans, having taken part in the battles of Port Gibson, Cham-
pion Hill, Vicksburg, and the Red River expedition under Gen. Banks.
On his return, he resumed farming and stock-raising, and he has now a
well-improved farm of 435 acres. He was married, April 8, 1868, to
Martha E. McColloch, a native of Union Township, and daughter of Van
and Elizabeth (Rothrock) McColloch, who were among the early set-
tlers of this county. Mr. Bunnell is a Republican, and a strong advo-
cate of the temperance cause, and shows his consistency by never touch-
ing a drop of intoxicating liquors.
JOHN BURNS was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 4,
BIG CREEK TOWNSHIP. 377
1F09, and is the eldest of nine children born to Joseph and Delilah (Tip-
ton) Burns, natives of Kentucky and of Scotch descent. Joseph Burns
was married in Pickaway County, to which point he moved when a young
man. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving under Gen. Wayne
during the entire struggle. In 1826, he moved to Logan County, Ohio,
entered 160 acres wild land and developed a farm. About 1835, he sold
out and came to this county and remained two years, and then moved to
Jasper County, entered 160 acres, and wrought from the wild another
farm, on which he ended his days, a member of the Christian Church.
Mrs. Delilah Burns, a member also- of the Christian Church, died Decem-
ber 1, 1880. John Burns was employed on his father's farm in Ohio
until he was eighteen years old, receiving a common school education dur-
ing the meanwhile. He was married in November, 1826, to Malinda
Ferguson, a native of Ohio, who became the mother of six children. In
1880, he came to what afterward became Big Creek Township, and en-
tered eighty acres of land, erected a log cabin with a dirt floor and clap-
board roof, and" in this he and family lived several years, experiencing all
tli(i liardships as well as homely joys of pioneer life. To his original en-
try Mr. Burns has added until he is now probably the largest land-holder
in the township — owning, as he does, about 1,200 acres. He is an ex-
tensive stock-breeder, his product averaging fifty head 6f cattle, 150 head
of hogs and seven or eight head of horses annually. He is now giving
much attention to thorougbreds. Mrs. Malinda Burns died in February,
1866, and December 18, 1868, Mr. Burns married Elizabeth J. Virden,
a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, and the only daughter of William
Virden, a pioneer. In politics, Mr. Burns is a Republican. He is one
of the leading farmers of the county, and he and one other are the only
persons yet living on land originally entered by themselves in Big Creek
Township.
WILLIAM BURNS was born in Big Creek Township April 23,
1831, and is the eldest of six children born to John and Malinda (Fergu-
son) Burns. He was either the first or second white male child born in
the county. He received his early education in the frontier log school-
house, with all its primitive appurtenances of dirt floor, clapboard roof,
puncheon seats and desks, and greased paper window-panes. LTntil
twenty-three years of age, he was employed on his father's farm, by
which time he had accumulated $700, with which he bought a partially
improved farm of 120 acres in this township, on which he yet lives, and
which he has increased to 500 acres and improved with a dwelling and
farm buildings equal to the best in the township. For the past fifteen
years. Mr. Burns has been extensively engaged in rearing thoroughbred
stock — cattle, horses and sheep — some of the last worth §200 per head ;
378 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
but for the past two years he has discontinued sheep rearing. His aver-
age product is fifty or sixty head of cattle, and four or five fine horses per
annum. Mr. Burns was married, October 24, 1860, to Etna McTire, a
native of Champaign County, Ohio, who has borne her husband two chil-
dren — Samuel Mc and Maryette. Mr. Burns is a Republican in politics^
and one of the leading farmers of the township and county.
HENRY CHAMBERLIN was born in Ontario County, N. Y., De-
cember 29, 1830, and is the second of ten children born to Aaron and
Elizabeth (Thacher) Chamberlin, natives of Pennsylvania and New Jer-
sey. In early life, Aaron Chamberlin was employed in rafting on the
Delaware River, and later in farming in Ontario County, N. Y., where
he was married. In the fall of 1834, he brought his family to Carroll
County, this State ; in the spring of 1837, he moved to Tippecanoe
County, where he farmed on shares until the spring of 1843, when he
came to West Point Township, this county, and entered 160 acres of land,
on which he resided until his death, February 9, 1849, followed by his
widow May 30, 1882. Henry Chamberlin remained on the home farm
until about a year after his father's death, when he went out to work by
the month at farming and "on the Wabash & Erie Canal, continuing
about four years. In the spring of 1859, he bought his present farm of
160 acres in this township. March 2, 1854, he married Catherine J.
Biddle, a native of Pittsburgh, Penn., and born March 11, 1838. To
this union have been born five children, of whom three are living — Clara
J., Henrietta E. and Edward H. Mr. Chamberlin is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a Democrat.
ENOCH H. CLARRIDGE was born in Madison County, Ohio,
and is one of the eleven children born to William and Drusilla (Timmuus)
Clarridge, natives of the same State. William Clarridge was reared a
farmer, but became a carpenter and brick-mason, to which he devoted his
entire attention in his later years. In 1873, he came to this State, and
settled in Pulaski County, where he died January 4, 1878. Enoch H.
Clarridge began blacksmithing at the age of twelve, with his brothers and
others, and he has followed the trade most of the time ever since, with the
exception of four years spent at harness-making. In March, 1864, he
enlisted in Company C, Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served
until the close of the war, being mustered out at Victoria, Texas, in No-
vember, 1865. He took part in most of the battles of the Atlanta cam-
paign, and in the fights at Franklin and Nashville. On his return, he
worked at saw-milling and farming for about four years, and then resumed
blacksmithing. In November, 1873, he moved to Pulaski County, and
in 1880 came to Chalmers, this township, and has ever since been doing
a good trade. He was married, February 28, 1869, to Mary A. Cheno-
BIG CREEK TOWNSHIP. 379
■weth, :i native of Ohio, who died July 6, 1872, a member of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church, and mother of two children, one only now living —
Delver S. July 12, 1874, Mr. Clarridge married Caroline N. O'Brien,
a native of Ohio, who has bo^ne him one daughter — Rosalie. Mr. Clar-
ridge is a member of Star City Lodge, No. 444, I. 0. 0. F., and in pol-
itics is a Democrat,
THOMAS COOPER was born in Ross County, Ohio, July 26,
1825, and is the youngest of the six children born to James and Jane
(Tull) Cooper, both natives of Delaware. James Cooper was a shoe-
maker and gardener. He was married in his native State, and afterward
moved to Ross County, Ohio, where he owned a small farm, and there
died in 1828. Thomas Cooper, at the age of five, was compelled to look
to strangers for a home ; until he was thirteen, he was cared for by Mr.
E. Clemmons, and then he began working on farms by the month. In
August, 1846, he enlisted in Company K, First Regiment United States
Mounted Rifles, organized to serve with Fremont in California; but the
regiment was assigned to the command of Col. P. F. Smith, and sent to
Mexico, where it joined Gen. Scott's army. The regiment was the first
to land at Vera Cruz, and was in every battle to the capture of the City
of Mexico, Avhich city it was the last to leave. At the close of the war
in 1848, Mr. Cooper located in Macoupin County, 111., where he farmed
on shares several years, and where he married, December 25, 1848,
Nancy Whitworth. who bore her husband six children — three yet living —
and died August 4, 1877, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1850, Mr. Cooper moved to Tippecanoe County, and in 1856 to this
township. In the fall of 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Forty-sixth
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, served through the war, and was mustered
out in September, 1865. At Port Gibson, he was wounded in the hip
and back, from the effects of which he will never entirely recover. At
the close of the war, he purchased his present farm, and in March, 1879,
he married Mrs. Angeline (Thompson) Layman, who has borne him two
daughters (twins). Mr. Cooper is a Republican, and has filled several
official positions; he is a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal
Church, of which his wife is also a member.
AMASIAH DAVISSON was born in Preble County, Ohio, May 22,
1832, and is the second in a family of seven children born to Jonathan
and Isabella (Adams) Davisson, natives of Virginia and New Jersey.
The parents of Jonathan settled in Preble County in the spring of 1815,
and there he was married. At his majority, his father presented him
with a farm of 160 acres, which he cultivated until 1878, when he moved
to Cass County, Ind., where he died August 7, 1880, in his seventy-
fourth year. When he left Ohio, he was the oldest settler in Preble
380 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
County ; he had been one of the County Commisgioners for six years, and
Assessor for ten or twelve years, and at the time of his death was owner
of the original Preble County farm, besides town lots in West Manchester,
that county. Amasiah Davisson, at the age of twenty-one, began life by
farming on shares. In the spring of 1854, he came to this township,
where his father had bought and given him eighty acres of wild land.
This he has increased to 380 acres, of which 360 are now under cultiva-
tion. Years ago, he had replaced his original log cabin with a fine frame
residence, which was destroyed by fire the night of October 18, 1879.
He immediately rebuilt on the same site, and has now one of the finest
farm residences in the township, into which he moved three weeks after
the old one was burned. He was married, September 23, 1852, to Sarah
A. House, a native of Preble County, who has become the mother of four
boys and one girl, Mr. and Mrs. Davisson are members of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church, and in politics he is a Democrat.
JOSIAH DAVISSON was born in Preble County, Ohio, September
23, 1830, and is the eldest of ten children born to Absalom and Belinda
(Adams) Davisson, natives respectively of Virginia and New Jersey, and
of Scotch-Welsh and English descent. The parents of Absalom settled
in Warren County, Ohio, in 1814, and next year moved to Preble County.
There, on the 14th day of June, 1829, he married. His father had
given him 120 acres of land, to which he made many additions, and on
which he resided until his death. May 24, 1874, at the age of seventy-two.
Josiah Davisson, at the age of twenty, hired out as a farm hand for a year,
and then learned carpentering. In April, 1855, he came to this township
and bought 120 acres of land, but for three years farmed on shares. In
April, 1858, he moved upon his own place, and there he still resides. He
was married, October 25, 1855, to Ann M. Hoffman, a native of Mont-
gomery County, Ohio. She has borne her husband two sons and five
daughters, all now living. Mr. Davisson is a Republican, and he and wife
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
VAUS DOBBINS was born in Hampshire County, Va., November 1,
1819, and is one of the eleven children born to Samuel and Sarah
(Mitchell) Dobbins, both natives of the same State. Samuel Dobbins was
a blacksmith by trade, but in his later years became a planter, and owned
at one time nine plantations, aggregating 2,000 acres, which he subse-
quently divided among his children. He died in December, 1848, a
member of the United Brethren Church. Vaus Dobbins attended the
ordinary schools of his day, and when twenty-five years of age was
presented, by his father, with a farm in his native county, which he
managed until 1849, when he sold, and bought 1,117 acres in Tyler
County, W. Va., including a saw and flouring mill, and a lath and
BIG CREEK TOWNSHIP. 381
carding mill. In 1856, he sold out and came to Princeton Town-
ship, this county, and there farmed until about 1863, when he moved
to Battle Ground, Tippecanoe County, for the purpose of educating
his children. In 1867, he returned to White County, and rented a
large farm in West Point Township. In 1870, he came to this town-
ship and bought the farm of 140 acres near Chalmers, on which he
has ever since resided. He also owns lands in Princeton Township and
building lots in Chalmers. He was married, in 1844, to Harriet A. Ham-
mock, a native of Hampshire County, Va., and of the ten children born
to him, six are still living. Mr. Dobbins is a Freemason, and both he
and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he
is a Republican.
WILLIAM T. DOBBINS was born in Hampshire County, Ya.,
September 13, 1845, and is the second of the ten children born to Vaus
and Harriet A. (Hammock) Dobbins, natives of Virginia, and of English
descent. William T. Dobbins received a good academical education,
attending also the Battle Ground Collegiate Institute in Tippecanoe
County, Ind. In June, 1870, he engaged in general mercantile trade at
Battle Ground, but in September, 1872, removed his stock to Chalmers,
this township ; he carries a large and well-selected stock of dry goods,
clothing, hats, caps, boots, shoes, groceries, queensware, hardware, drugs,
medicines and notions, valued at $6,000, his annual sales amounting on
an average to $15,000 ; he also handles lumber and coal. November 21,
1872, he married Rhoda A. Moore, a native of Tippecanoe County, and
this lady has borne him two children, one, Nellie G., still living. Mr.
Dobbins is now serving his second term as Township Trustee, and he has
filled the position of Postmaster since 1874. Both he and wife are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics he is a Repub-
lican.
CHARLES D. FINNEY was born in Daviess County, Ind., Novem-
ber 20, 1845, and is the youngest of the five children born to John and
Mary J. (Waller) Finney, natives of Indiana and Kentucky, and of
English and Scotch descent. John Finney was married in Trimble
County, Ky., where for several years afterward he was engaged in farm-
ing, and subsequently in Illinois and Indiana. In 1862, he enlisted in
Company G, Third Indiana Yolunteer Infantry, was made Commissary
Sergeant, and served with his regiment until the fall of 1864, when he
was transferred to the Eighth Indiana Cavalry. He took part in the
battles of Shelbyville, Stone River, in the Atlanta campaign and the
"march to the sea." He is a Mason and a member of the Baptist
Church, and is now a resident of Greenwood, Johnson County, this State.
Charles D. Finney, at the age of sixteen, was employed as a clerk in a
382 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
general store at Greenwood ; he remained about a year, and then went on
the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad, remaining until John
Morgan's raid into Indiana. In September, 1863, he enlisted in Com-
pany M, First Indiana Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the
war, taking part in the siege against Forts Gaines and Morgan, Spanish
Fort, and the other defenses of Mobile. On his return, he was variously
employed until 1875, when he came to Wolcott, this county, where he
was employed at farming, etc., until May, 1880, when he came to
Wheeler, this township, and opened a general store. He was appointed
Postmaster August 2, 1880; he was married, February 1, 1866, to
Mary E. Gregg, who has borne him six children, of whom three are
living. Mr. Finney is an Odd Fellow, and both he and wife are members
of the Presbyterian Church.
DAVID FISHER was born in Fayette County, Penn., November
7, 1812, and is one of the fifteen children born to John and Nancy
(Eraser) Fisher, both natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and Scotch
descent. John Fisher was a farmer and a blacksmith, and he died, in
1853, a strict member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. David
Fisher, at the age of sixteen, began the blacksmith trade with his father
and brother, and followed the business most of the time until he was
forty-seven years old. In the spring of 1836, he came to this county,
where he entered 240 acres of land for himself and 160 acres for his
brother in Big Creek and Honey Creek Townships. He returned to
Pennsylvania the same summer, accomplishing the entire journey both
ways on horseback. In 1850, he bought land in .Western Virginia, and
farmed for three years ; then returned to Pennsylvania and engaged in
mining for several years. In 1859, he returned to this township and
settled on his land. He was married, July 7, 1839, to Sarah J. Huston,
a native of Fayette County, Penn., and to this marriage were born ten
children, of whom only two are dead — John C, member of Company K,
Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, who was killed at Cold Harboi-,
Va., after having served over three years ; and Joseph, of Company D,
Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, who died in hospital in Scottsboro,
Ala., January 7, 1864. Two other sons also served in the army — Jacob,
in the One Hundred and Sixteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and
Henry, in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
Mr. Fisher is a Democrat, a believer in the Methodist Episcopal faith,
but is not a member of the church.
ABNER FOX was born in La Fayette, Tippecanoe Co., Ind., Sep-
tember 6, 1840, and is the second of the six children born to Jonathan
and Margaret N. (Hawk) Fox, both natives of Butler County, Ohio.
Jonathan Fox was by trade a butcher ; he was married in Butler County,
lART
1
J^ ^'
Jonathan High.
BIG CREEK TOWNSHIP. 385
Ohio, and in 1836 moved to La Fayette, Ind., and was the first butcher
to occupy a stall in the La Fayatte market house. In the spring of
1854, he came to this township, bought land and engaged in farming
until his death, September 13, 1880. Abner Fox, at the age of twenty-
one, left his father, and for two years farmed on shares in this township.
In lb 63 he bought his present fiirm of 100 acres. He was married,
December 24, 1863, to Mary Wolverton, daughter of Philip Wolverton,
Sr., one of the pioneers of the county, and to this union have been born
three children. Mr. Fox has always taken a great interest in fast horses,
and is now the owner of the noted runners "Bay Dick" and "Blue
Jeans," the former having made a running record of 1:44. Mr. F. is a
member of Brookston Lodge, No. 154, A., F. k A. M., and in politics
he is a Democrat,
JONATHAN HIGH was born in Hampshire County, Va., June 9,
1809, and is the fifth of the twelve children born to Henry and Susan
(Myers) High, natives of the same county and of German descent.
Henry High was a soldier during the war of 1812, and also helped to
quell the whisky rebellion in Pennsylvania and Virginia. He died on his
own farm in his native county January 24, 1834, a believer in the doc-
trines of the German Baptist Church, although not a member of the so-
ciety. Jonathan High, although he received comparatively little educa-
tion in his youth, is a man of more than ordinary mental powers, and has
given himself a practical business education. Until his thirtieth year,
he remained on his father's farm, and in 1838 brought his family to Tip-
pecanoe County, this State, where for ten years he farmed on shares. In
1848, he came to this township, where he bought a partially improved
farm of 200 acres, on which he still resides, and to which he has from
time to time added, until he now owns 640 acres. Mr. High was mar-
ried, September 15, 1836, to Miss S. Shoemaker, also a native of Hamp-
shire County, Va., and to their union were born twelve children, of whom
only two are now living — Nancy A. and Thomas J. Mrs. High died Oc-
tober 20, 1875, a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. High is
a member of the German Baptist Church, is a Democrat in politics, is
one of the early settlers of Big Creek, and is one of the most prominent
farmers in the township.
A. C. LANE was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, March 28,
1818, and is the second of eight children born to John and Rosanna
(Crumm) Lane, natives of New Jersey and Kentucky. John Lane was
born in January, 1793; his ancestors were among the colonists of New
Jersey, landing in 1642; his parents came West in 1798, landing at what
is now Cincinnati in 1799. The same year, they moved nine miles north,
where John was reared to manhood. He was married in Wayne County,
386 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Ind., and died on his farm near Cincinnati, June 4, 1880 ; Mrs. Rosanna
Lane died at the same place in 1878. A. C. Lane, at the age of
seventeen, left the home farm and served an apprenticeship of three years
at wagon-making ; he then did business for himself seven years at Mount
Pleasant and for five years at Darrtown, Ohio. In April, 1852, he moved
to Tippecanoe County, this State, where he bought a farm and remained
until August, 1864, when he sold and came to this township and pur-
chased 352 acres, which he has increased to 400. In May, 1839, he
married Eliza R. Woolley, who bore him three children, and died in 1844,
a member of the Christian Church. In 1845, Mr. Lane married Bar-
bara A. Darland, a native of Clinton County, Ind., who bore him four
children and died September 7, 1868, a member of the Presbyterian
Church. In February, 1870, Mr. Lane married Mrs. Mary A. (Keth)
Baker, of Allen County, Ohio, who died in 1877 without issue, and a
member of the Christian Church. Mr. Lane is a member of the last-
named church, is a stanch Republican and has two sons who served their
country throughout the entire war of the rebellion.
DANIEL J. ORTH was born in Lebanon County, Penn., July 17,
1848, and is the second in the family of eight children born to Henry W.
and Maria (Stein) Orth, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German
descent. Henry W. Orth was reared a farmer, and when a young man
was employed as a civil engineer and helped to locate the Erie Canal.
Later, he followed distilling several years. In about 1848, he moved to
Western Ohio and engaged in buying horses and mules for the Eastern
market. In 1850, he came to Tippecanoe County, Ind., and entered the
lumber and cabinet-making trade. In 1856, he came to this township
and bought 160 acres, engaged in farming until 1870, and then sold and
moved to Brookston, where he now resides. Mr. Orth was Colonel of
militia in Pennsylvania, and has twice been Trustee of this township.
He is a Mason,a member of the Universalist Church, and a brother of the
late Hon. Godlove S. Orth, of La Fayette. Daniel J. Orth, at the age
of twenty-one, bought his present farm of 160 acres, on which he has
since lived, with the exception of one year, when he was engaged in the
agricultural implement business at Chalmers. He was married, April 7,
1870, to Margaret Wolverton, a native of this county ; she has borne
him six children, five of whom are living. In politics, Mr. Orth is a
Republican, and he is an enterprising young farmer.
JACOB PFISTER was born in Germany August 21, 1838, and is
the youngest of seven children born to Joseph and Mary A. (Hitzman)
Pfister, natives of the same country. In the spring of 1852, Jacob Pfis-
ter came to the United States, stopping in Cincinnati a few months and
then going into the interior of Hamilton County, where he learned car-
BIG CREEK TOWNSHIP. 387
pentering. . He afterward worked as journeyman with his former precep-
tor, both at Cincinnati and Dayton — at the latter place helping to build
the aqueduct. In 1855, he came to Reynolds, this county, where he
worked at his trade until 1875, when he bought the "Pfister House," now
known as the "Junction House." In 1880, he bought and moved upon
his present farm of 160 acres in this township. In the fall of 1862, Mr.
P. enlisted in Company B, Fifty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry. In
December of the same year, the company was transferred to the Thirty-
second Regiment, and Mr. P. was assigned to Company G. He served
until after the battle of Shiloh, in which he was severely wounded, and,
in consequence, was discharged in the summer of 1863. September 19,
1869, he married Christina Hiller, a native of Baden, Germany, and a
widow with four children. In 1872, Mr. P. was elected Trustee of Honey
Creek Township and served one term. In the fall of 1876, he was elected
County Commissioner, and re-elected in 1878. He is a Democrat and a
member of the Catholic Church. Mrs. Pfister is a member of the
Lutheran Church.
J. & W. W. RAUB, at Chalmers, are doing an extensive business,
and handle all kinds of grain, live stock and coal. Their annual average
shipments of grain reach 150,000 bushels, and their shipments of live
stock are in proportion. They commenced business at Chalmers under
the present firm name in November, 1872, when they erected extensive
cribs and grain warehouses, which they provided with a large corn-sheller,
and then put in a steam engine. In 1879, they put up their steam ele-
vator. Jacob Raub, the senior member, is the eighth child, and William
W. Raub, the junior member, is the youngest of thirteen children born to
Jacob and Maria M. (Ostrander) Raub, the former a native of Sussex
County, N. J., and the latter of Troy, IS. Y. Mrs. Raub was the daugh-
ter of Dr. Edward Ostrander, of Troy, and a relative of Prof Tobias
Ostrander, the well known mathematician of New York, and author of
" Ostrander's Arithmetic." In 1815, Jacob Raub, Sr., removed with
his parents to Pickaway County, Ohio. He was married in Ross County,
Ohio, in 1822. In November, 1836, he moved to Tippecanoe County,
Ind., where he bought 280 acres of land, which he improved and resided
upon until his death, in November, 1849. He was a public-spirited man,
and took an active part in securing the right of way for the Crawfords-
ville & La Fayette Railroad, which is now a part of the L., N. A. & C.
R. R. Mrs. Maria M. Raub died April 26, 1875. Jacob Raub, senior
partner in the firm of J. & W. W. Raub, was born in Ross County, Ohio,
October 3, 1835, and received a very good common school and academ-
ical education. As early as 1851, he began in the grain busines.s at
South Raub, Tippecanoe County, as the junior member of the firm of
388 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
A. & E. Raub & Bros. This firm shipped the first car-load of grain
ever sent over the N. A. R. R. between Crawfordsville and La Fayette.
The firm, in connection with their business, were also extensively engaged
in farming. In December, 186 i, the firm was dissolved and the lands
divided. Jacob Raub, having received his share in lands situated in
this township, moved upon the same in 1866, and engaged in farming
and stock dealing. In 1867, he commenced handling grain at Chalmers,
in connection with his farming. In 1872, he purchased a part of the
Ross farm, on which he laid out the present village of Chalmers. He
has been in the grain business for the past twenty-nine years, longer,
probably, than any other man in the county. He was Vice President of
the White Conty Agricultural Society in 1869, and President thereof in
1870. In 1868, he was nominated by the Democrats for Representative
in the State Legislature from White and Benton Counties, and, although
the district was Republican by 120 majority, he was defeated by only 83
votes. In company with his brother and others, he was largely influen-
tial in securing the first gravel road ever located in White County, and
which is now being built through Chalmers. Mr. Raub was married,
March 28, 1871, to Miss Sallie C. Reynolds, a native of this county,
and daughter of Benjamin Reynolds, one of the county pioneers. To
this union have been born four sons, all still living. William W. Raub
was born in Tippecanoe County^ Ind., December 26, 1845, and at the
age of sixteen commenced business on his own account as a farmer and
stock dealer. For several years he bought stock for packing houses at
La Fayette, and also shipped to Chicago. In 1865, he moved to Dan-
ville, 111., and became interested in two coal mines, as a member of the
firm of Webster, Stufilebeam & Co., who represented a capital of at least
$25,000. Two years later, he sold his interest at a handsome profit, and
returned to Tippecanoe, where he engaged extensively in stock-rearing,
and also engaged in shipping stock and grain. In 1872, he bought a
farm of 280 acres near Chalmers, where he has ever since resided. Mr.
Raub was married, December 18, 1877, to Mary Allen, a native of Wis-
consin, and daughter of C. G. Allen, a commission merchant at the
Union Stock Yards, Chicago. Two children have been born to this
union, one now deceased. In politics, Mr. Raub is a Democrat.
LEVI REYNOLDS was born in this township March 7,' 1850, and
is one of five children, now living, born to Benjamin and Lydia J. (Gard-
ner) Reynolds, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
Benjamin Reynolds, although he attended school but three nights in his
life, acquired, by his own exertions, a sound, practical business educa-
tion. When a young man, he settled in Perry County, Ohio, where he
married, and soon after bought and operated a stage line from Vincennes
BIG CREEK TOWNSHIP. 389
to Toledo, following the Wabash and Maumee Rivers. In 1828, a dis-
temper carried away many of the large number of horses used, leaving
Mr. R. almost penniless. In about 1830, he came to this county and
began life anew. Being well acquainted with the country, he was em-
ployed to locate land on commission, which commission consisted chiefly
in lands, and thus he became owner of from 15,000 to 20,000 acres in
Indiana and Illinois. He was eminently a public-spirited man. He had
a contract for excavating many miles of the State ditch, a part of which
he sub-let. He was largely influential in locating and building the N.
A. & S. R. R., and also the Pan Handle Railroad, in both of which he
became a large stockholder. He was also interested in the Junction
Railroad, and in 1854 or 1855 had the misfortune to lose $100,000 by
that concern. His first wife bore him five children, four of whom are
yet living. He married his second wife, Lydia J. Gardner, at Vincennes,
in 1839 or 1840. She is now living at Monon, this county, and is a
member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. R. laid out the town of Rey-
nolds, which was named for him by Gov. Willard. During the late war,
Mr. Reynolds met with his second financial reverse, having to pay over
$40,000 bail debts. From this, however, he had nearly recovered before
his death, June 6, 1869, at his home in this township. Levi Reynolds
and a brother cultivated the home farm after the father's death, until the
same was sold under administrator's sale and bought by the mother, and
the estate divided. In 1878, he went to Monticello, and engaged in the
livery and saloon business until 1881, when he returned to the farm.
He was married in September, 1879, to Mary E. Cooper, a native of
Perry County, Ohio, who has borne him two children — Roy H. and
Glenn C. Mr. R. is Road Superintendent of the township, is a member
of Brookston Lodge, No. ti6, A. F. & A. M., and in politics is a Demo-
crat.
SAMUEL SHENK was born in Lebanon County, Penn., October
15, 1829, and is one of six children born to Abraham and Magdelena
(Overholser) Shenk, both natives of Pennsylvania. Abraham Slienk
died on his farm in Lebanon County, Penn., in his forty-eighth year, and
when Samuel was only ten years old ; the family then moved to Annville,
where Samuel attended school and worked by the job until eighteen years
old. He then worked on a farm by the month and year until twenty-two,
and then on shares for two years. In the spring of 1856, he came to this
township and bought the farm of 160 acres on which he has ever since
resided, and which is now one of the best in the township. He was mar-
ried, October 26, 1852, to Catharine M. Behm, a native of Lebanon
County, Penn. One son and one daughter have blessed their union —
Daniel H. and Clara B. In politics, Mr. Shenk is a Republican.
390 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
BERNARD G. SMITH was born in Harrison County, W. Va., Feb-
ruary 19, 1838, and is the fifth of a family of nine children born to
Abel T. and Deborah S. (Wilson) Smith. Abel T. Smith was a farmer,
and for several years was Sheriff of Harrison County. He came to this
township in the fall of 1846 and entered 280 acres of land, to which he
added until he owned 816 acres. He was at one time one of the three
Township Trustees under the old constitution, and for thirty-four years
was a class leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died January
16, 1875, in his seventy-second year. His wife was one of thirty children
born to Col. Benjamin Wilson, of Virginia, a distinguished soldier of the
war of the Revolution and also of the war of 1812. Bernard G. Smith
left his father's farm in August, 1862, and enlisted in Company K, Fifth
Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, and at the organization of the regiment was
made Quartermaster Sergeant ; he advanced to First Lieutenant, and in
March, 1865, was appointed Quartermaster. He was mustered out at
Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 3, 1865. He took part in all the bat-
tles of East Tennessee, the Atlanta campaign, the chase after Gen. Morgan,
etc., and was wounded at New Hope Church. On his return, he resumed
farming and has now a fine place of 300 acres. He was married, October
14, 1869, to Emma B. Lane, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, and of
the four children born to this union three are living — Robert C, Nellie
G. and Maud L. Mr. Smith is a Mason and a Republican, and he and
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CALVIN C. SPENCER was born in Perry County, Ohio, August
6, 1829, and is the sixth in a family of eight children born to George A.
and Sarah (Reynolds) Spencer, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former
a native of Somerset and the latter of Juniata County. Thomas Spencer,
grandfather of George A., was one of the colonists who came over with
Lord Baltimore in 1630; George A. Spencer served under Gen. Brown
all through the war of 1812. At the age of sixteen George moved to
Perry County, Ohio, where he was afterward married. He was both a
tanner and carpenter, and followed these trades in connection with farming
on his tract of 160 acres. In 1829, he came to what afterward became
Big Creek Township, this county, accomplishing the entire journey on-
foot, and the following year brought on his family. The same year, 1830,
he bought 320 acres in this township at the land sale in Crawfordsville ;
this land he improved, increased to about 1,000 acres, and resided upon
it until his death in January, 1867. Mr. Spencer was the first Treasurer
of White County, and afterward was, for about twenty-five years, Justice
of the Peace. Both he and his wife were members of the Baptist Church,
and in politics he was a Democrat. Calvin C. Spencer, although he re-
ceived but a common school education at the frontier schoolhouse, has ac-
BIG CREEK TOWNSHIP. 391
quired a first-class, practical business education. He was employed on
his father's farm until forty years old. He was married, December 8,
1858, to Mrs. Sarah J. (Jennings) Haven, a native of Tippecanoe County,
Ind., and to this union have been born five children — three yet living.
In 1853, he bought 160 acres in this township, to which he has added
until he now owns 920 acres. He is a member of Monticello Lodge, No.
154, A. F. & A. M., and is independent in his political views. Several
of his brothers and nephews were active participants in the late war, and
one of his nephews, T. C. Dale, is now a Surgeon in the United States
Navy.
GEORGE STEPHAN, Jr., was born in Germany March 7, 1831, and
is one of the nine children of George and Eva (Grundtisch) Stephan. The
father, a farmer, brought his family to this country in 1846, settling in
Massillon, Ohio, where he remained one year, and then moved to Wyandot
County, where he bought land and farmed until 1866 ; he then sold out
and bought property in Sandusky, where he died September 13, 1881.
Mrs. Eva Stephan died at the same place June 25, 1880. Both were
members of the Lutheran Church. George Stephan, Jr., at the age of
fifteen years, began working by the month at teaming and farming, and
so continued until he was twenty-four ; he next farmed on shares in Wood
County, Ohio, for three years ; in the spring of 1858, he brought his wife
and family to this township, farmed on shares twelve years, and then
bought his present farm of 163 acres. He was married, April 2, 1855,
to Louisa Werts, a native of Pennsylvania, and this lady has borne him
three children, as follows: William H., April 13, 1856; Sophia E.,
February 16, 1860, and George A., August 26, 1864. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Stephan are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in
politics he is a Republican.
LIEUT. JOSEPH TAYLOR was born near Liverpool, England,
September 29, 1838, and is the eleventh of the twelve children born to
Thomas and Agnes (Bowman) Taylor. The family came to the United
States in 1845, and settled on a farm in Kosciusko County, Ind., where
the father died when our subject was but eleven years old. Joseph then
lived with his guardian, an elder brother, until eighteen, when became to
this county, and worked by the month on a farm until September, 1861,
when he enlisted in Company G, Forty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
and served until November 12, 1864, when he was mustered out at
Indianapolis. At the organization of his company, he was elected a Duty
Sergeant, and he passed through all the intermediate grades to First
Lieutenant, receiving his last commission in November, 1863. He took
part in the battle of New Madrid, the siege of Vicksburg, the Red River
expedition under Gen. Banks, and many other engagements. On his
392 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
return he settled on 200 acres in this township. January 25, 1865, mar-
ried Miss Nancy J. Price, a native of White County, daughter of John
and Susanna (Kent) Price. This union has been blessed with five chil-
dren, of whom two boys and two girls are still living. In politics, Lieut.
Taylor is a Republican, and he has served his fellow-citizens as Township
Trustee.
LEVEN TUCKER, Jr., was born in Sussex County, Del., January
12, 1823, and is the seventh in a family of eight children born to Leven
and Annabel (Workman) Tucker, both natives of the above county.
Leven Tucker, Jr., was left an orphan at the tender age of three. Until
fifteen years old, he was reared by a cousin, who came to Fayette County,
this State, in about 1829, and some years later moved to Cass County.
In 1840, Mr. Tucker returned to Delaware for a year, and then went
to Pickaway County, Ohio, where he worked by the month for seven
years. In February, 1848, he came to this county, and on the 9th of
November following, married Jane Wolverton, native of Pickaway Coun-
ty, Ohio, and a daughter of Philip and Mary Wolverton. In March,
1849, Mr. Tucker bought 200 acres of wild land in this township, and
here he has lived ever since. In the cabin, which is still standing, first
erected by Mr. T. on this farm, were born all of his six children, of whom
four are yet living. He has added to his farm from time to time until he
now owns 700 acres of well-improved land. He is engaged extensively in
stock breeding and dealing, and is a leading general farmer. In politics,
he is a Republican.
MRS. LOUISA VIRDEN was born in Champaign County, Ohio,
August 6, 1825, and is a daughter of Joseph H. and Mary (Ferguson)
Thompson, the former a native of Harrison County, W. Va., and the
latter of Kentucky, and of English, Irish and German descent. Joseph
H. Thompson was born July 2, 1788, and was married in Champaign
County, Ohio, in June, 1824. In September, 1829, he came with his
wife and three children to what afterward became Big Creek Township ;
entered a squatter's claim, made some improvements, and when the land
came into the market purchased 160 acres at the sale at Crawfordsville.
At this early day, Indians alone were his neighbors. In 1835, he sold
this place, and moved to a farm of 300 acres, in the same township, which
he had previously purchased — also purchasing at the same time another
farm near Reynolds. About 1860, he traded a part of his lands in Big
Creek for lands in Honey Creek Township, and also for a hotel and other
property in Reynolds, where he resided until his death, January 18,
1875. Mr. Thompson for many years was a Justice of the Peace in
Ohio, and was a class leader of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which
church his wife also was a member. Mrs. Mary Thompson died at her
BIG CREEK TOWNSHIP. 393
home in Reynolds, on December 9, 1877. Mrs. Louisa (Thompson)
Virden received her early education in the frontier schoolhouses, but im-
proved herself by after study, and her appearance still indicates her to be
a lady of more than ordinary intelligence. She was married, April 2,
1846, to Stratton Virden, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, born
May 10, 1817, and a son of William and Lydia (Hopkins) Virden,
both natives of Ohio and of Scotch and Irish descent. Stratton Virden
had come to this county with his mother in the fall of 1833. Immedi-
ately after his marriage, he and wife moved to Wea Plains, Tippecanoe
County, where Mr. Virden owned a farm. There they resided until April,
1866, when they sold and came to this township, bought a farm of 200
acres, and here, August 22, 1874, in his fifty-eighth year, Mr. Virden
was killed by lightning while feeding his hogs. He was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and the father of eight children, five of
whom are yet living. Mrs. Virden still resides on the home farm in
retirement; she is one of the oldest settlers in the township and county.
As was her husband, she is and has been for many years a consistent
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CAPT. GRANVILLE B. WARD was born in Monroe County,
Ind., May 7, 1834, and is the son of Austin and Elizabeth (Buskirk)
Ward, natives respectively of Virginia and Indiana. Austin Ward was
a farmer, and came to this county in the spring of 1850, entering 200
acres in Round Grove Township, on which he resided until 1873,
when he retired to Brookston. He was for several years Trustee
of Round Grove, and afterward Justice of the Peace at Brookston,
and long has been a member of the Christian Church. Granville B.
Ward received a fair common school education, and worked on the
home farm until twenty-one. In the fall of 1860, he entered the State
University, but in the spring of 1861 enlisted as a non-commissioned
oflScer in Company K, Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. After
passing through the intermediate promotions, he received his commission
as Captain in the winter of 1862. He was with his regiment in all its
marches and engagements until Chancellorsville, where he lost his left
leg, and soon afterward resigned ; he was also wounded at Antietam and
Fredericksburg. In the fall of 1864, he was elected Treasurer of White
County, and re-elected in 1866. In the spring of 1869, he came to this
township, and bought the farm of 125 acres where he now lives. He
was married in May, 1864, to Miss Catharine C. Rawlins, a native of
Monroe County, Ind. ; and to this union there have been born seven
children, five of whom are yet living. Capt. Ward is a member of the
I. 0. 0. F., and also of the G. A. R.
PHILIP J. WARD was born in Kent County, Md., May 28,
S94 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
1833, and is the eldest and the only survivor of the five children born to
Henry and Mary (Hurd) Ward, natives respectively of Maryland and
Delaware. Henry Ward was a farmer, married in Delaware, and in the
spring of 1837 came to Tippecanoe County, this State, and bought ten
acres of land which is now a part of the city of La Fayette. In 1851,
he traded this for 255 acres in this township. On this he resided until
1865, when he retired to Reynolds, where he died in April, 1867, a mem-
ber of the Christian Church and the I. 0. G. T. Philip J. Ward re-
mained on the home farm until eighteen years old, and then hired out for
several years in Tippecanoe County. In 1862, he returned to White
County, and resided on his father-in-law's farm until the death of his own
father, when he bought the interests of the other heirs and took up his
residence on the home farm, which he has increased to 735 acres. Mr.
Ward was married, September 10, 1860, to Catherine G. Brady, a native
of this county and of Scotch and Irish descent. To this union have been
born three children, two of whom are yet living. Mr. Ward is a member
of no church or organization, and is independent in politics.
WILLIAM WARD was born in Boone County, Ind., April 26,
1842, and is the second of the sixteen children born to Philip F. and
Eliza (Goldsbery) Ward, natives of Delaware and Olwo respectively. At
the age of eighteen, Philip Ward came with his parents to Boone County,
this State, and he was there married on his twenty-first birthday. In the
fall of 1858, he came to this township and bought a farm of 200 acres, on
which he lived until the spring of 1875, when he sold out and bought a place
in West Point Township, which he still owns. In the same year, he
moved to Reynolds, where he now lives in retirement. William Ward
quit his father's farm at the age of twenty-one, and for six years farmed
on shares; in the spring of 1869, he bought 120 acres in this township,
which he has since increased to 370 acres. He was married, March 4,
1863, to Elizabeth Blickenstaff, a native of Tippecanoe County, Ind. To
this union were born three children, two now living — Jewel F. and Joseph
P. January 30, 1869, Mrs. Ward died, a member of the Christian
Church. November 18, 1869, Mr. Ward married Martha Wilson, a na-
tive of Tippecanoe County, Ind., and this lady has borne her husband six
children. In politics, Mr. Ward is a Democrat, and both he and wife
a,re members of the Christian Church.
HIRAM M. WHEELER was born in Connecticut October 16, 1836,
and is one of the four children born to Challings S. and Sibyl (Bunnell)
Wheeler, natives of Connecticut, and of English descent. Challings S.
Wheeler was born in 1800; was a farmer, then engaged in saw and grist
milling. At one time owned and operated two distilleries, and was also
engaged for a time in iron smelting. He was married in Connecticut,
BIG CREEK TOWNSHIP. 395
and in 1833 moved with his family to St. Joseph County, Mich., where
he and two brothers entered a large tract of land, and subsequently im-
proved a farm, and where he became Township Assessor. In 1875, he
came to this township and bought a farm of 180 acres ; in the tall of 1881,
he rented his farm and moved to Reynolds, where he now lives in retire-
ment. Until twenty-one years of age, Iliram M. Wheeler assisted his
father, receiving a fair education meanwhile. He then went to Columbus,
Ohio, where he worked in a distillery three years; then took charge of his
father's distillery at Three Rivers, Mich., for a year; he next
went into the grocery business at the same place for five years.
During a part of this time, from September, 1861, to September,
1862, he was leader of the regimental band of the Eleventh
Michigan Volunteer Infantry. In 1865, he moved to Council
Bluffs, Iowa, where he took charge of a distillery for three years. He
then bought a farm of 1,040 acres in Harrison County, Iowa, which he
cultivated for about seven years. In the spring of 1875, he came to this
township and purchased his present farm of 220 acres, on which he has
just erected one of the finest frame residences in the county. He was
married in 1857 to Esther J. Macomber, a native of New York, and to
this union five children have been born, three yet living. Mr. Wheeler held
the office of Township Clerk, while in Michigan, and also the combined
offices of Trustee, Assessor and Director, while in Iowa. He is largely
engaged in the manufacture of tiles and in the shipping of grain and stock,
and is one of the most prominent farmers and business men of the county.
JOHN S. WINGARD was born in Franklin County, Penn., Sep-
tember 8, 1817, and is the second of the eight children now living born
to Henry and Elizabeth (Suavely) Wingard, both natives of Pennsyl-
vania. John S. Wingard remained on his father's farm until twenty-seven
years of age, when he came to Carroll County, this State, where he worked
by the job or month for nearly two years. In the fall of 1847, he bought
a half interest in a grist mill, which he retained about three years, and
then traded for a partially improved farm of 150 acres in this township
and about $700 in cash. On tiiis farm he has ever since resided, and has
improved it in a high degree. He was married, August 28, 1847, to
Anna Scheutz, a native of AVayne County, Ind. To this marriage have
been born eight children, four of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Win-
gard are members of the Dunkard Church, and in politics he is a Repub-
lican. Mr. Wingard's father was a farmer by occupation, and was for
many years Assessor in his native county.
GEORGE W. WOLVERTON was born in this township August 22,
1849, and is the elder of the two sons born to Philip and Margaret Wol-
verton. He received an ordinary common school education in youth.
396 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
having always lived on the home farm. Of this he owns now a moiety,
to which he has added until his farm now comprises 720 acres. It is well
improved, and his residence and other buildings are among the best in
the county. He is probably one of the most extensive stock-breeders in
the county, rearing on an average 100 head of cattle and sixty of hogs
per annum. He was married, December 22, 1874, to Nancy J. Rey-
nolds, a native of this county, and daughter of Benjamin Reynolds, one
of the county's pioneers. To this marriage have been born three chil-
dren, of whom two are living — Ella and Guy. Mrs. Wolverton is a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Wolverton belongs to no church,
neither does he belong to any secret organization. He is a Democrat in
politics, and a leading farmer of this township, as well as county.
PHILIP WOLVERTON, Jr., was born in this township January
30, 1852, and is the younger of the two sons born to Philip and Mar-
garet (Barnhart-Glazier) Wolverton, natives respectively of Pennsylvania
and Ohio. Philip Wolverton, Jr., has always resided on the old home
farm, a part of which he now owns, and to which he has added other
land, making him the owner of 720 acres in all. He is extensively en-
gaged in the stock business, and in 1878 began rearing thoroughbred
horses, and owned at one time the well-known running horses " Oollawa"
and "Jennie Blanch;" both are now dead. He at present owns the thor-
oughbreds " Young Albion," " George L.," "Orphan Girl," " Jennie Oy,"
and "Topsey." Besides these, he owns a number of half-breeds, making
forty-two head in all. In the fall of 1882, he purchased a herd of thor-
oughbred short-horn heifers, which is probably the finest in the county.
December 1, 1880, Mr. Wolverton married Miss Emma J. Price, a native
of Carroll County, Ind., who bore her husband one daughter — Margaret
E., and died at her home May 13, 1882, a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Wolverton is a Democrat, and has
filled the office of Township Assessor one term.
LOUIS WOLVERTON was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Feb-
ruary 1, 1832, and is the third of the eight children born to Philip and
Mary (Pritchett) Wolverton, the former born in Northumberland County,
Penn., November 29, 1805, and the latter in Pickaway County, Ohio,
and of German and English descent respectively. Philip Wolverton was
but fourteen years of age when he reached Pickaway County, Ohio. At
the age of fifteen he entered an apprenticeship of three and three-quar-
ters years at blacksmithing ; he then worked a year and a half as jour-
neyman, and then opened a shop of his own at Jefferson. In 1831, he
came to the then uncreated township of Big Creek, entered about 300
acres of land, hired a man to build a cabin, and then returned to Ohio.
In the fall of the same year, he hired Samuel Virden to come out and
T-IBERTV TOWNSHIP. 397
commence improving the place. In the fall of 183-1:, he brought out his
own family and moved into his primitive cabin. Here Mrs. Wolverton
died in 1843. In 1847, Mr. Wolverton married Margaret, widow of
Louis C. Glazier, a daughter of Benjamin Barnhart, and a native of
Ohio. To this union were born two sous — George W. and Philip, Jr.
Mrs. Wolverton died in August, 1876. Mr. Wolverton continued adding
to his estate until he was the owner of farms aggregating 2,500 acres, a
part of which he subsequently deeded to his children. He owned, at the
time of his death, which occurred August 4, 1869, between 1,300 and
1,400 acres. He died a Mason, but was a member of no church. Louis
Wolverton remained on the home farm, a part of which he now owns,
until twenty-one years old. In the spring of 1856, he and Lemuel New-
ell bought 200 acres in Prairie Township, this county, but Mr. W. sold
his interest in the fall and bought a farm in Newton County ; he did not
move upon this, however, but in the fall of 1857 purchased his present
farm of 280 acres. He was married, September 22, 1858, to Eliza A.
Hornbeck, born in White County March 30, 1840, and daughter of
William Hornbeck, one of the early settlers. To this marriage have been
born three children, two of whom are still living — Frank and Vint. Mr.
Wolverton is a Freemason and a Democrat, and is one of the most
prominent farmers of the township.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.
WILLIAM BOZE was born in this township February 25, 1841,
and he is the eldest of ten children born to George and Sarah (Conwell)
Boze, named as follows : William, Philip, Hezekiah, Mary, Margaret,
Henry, Elizabeth, Stephen, James and Willie. The father was born in
Western Ohio in 1813, was a farmer, and died in this township in May,
1866. William was born about three miles south of his present place, on
which he settled shortly after his marriage. In October, 1861, he en-
listed in the Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteer InAintry, took part in many
skirmishes and minor engagements, and acted as a marine for many
months on the flotilla which was endeavoring to open up the Mississippi
River. He also took part in the defense of a battery at Riddle's Point,
Mo. December 21, 1865, he married Margaret Collins, who bore him
two children — Clara and George — and died in February, 1872. Novem-
ber 27, 1873, he married Laura E. Blades, who has given birth to three
children — Sarah, William (deceased)", and James. In November, 1870,
he was elected Township Trustee and for four years discharged the duties
398 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
of the office most efficiently and satisfactorily. He is the oldest native
born male citizen now residing in the township, and he enjoys the respect
of all his neighbors. He lives seven miles north of Monticello on his
well tilled farm, which gives every indication of being cared for with skill
and thrift.
WASHINGTON COLLINS was born in Ohio October 1, 1833,
and is one of the seven children born to Allen and Eunice (Barber) Col-
lins, and named as follows : Julia, Washington, Elizabeth, Nancy,
William, George and Margaret. The father was a farmer, and died in
this township in October, 1877. The family had resided in Nicholas
County, Ky., in Tippecanoe County, Ind., and in Clinton County, Ind.,
and in the spring of 1851 came to this county and located in Jackson
Township, where they lived some eight years, and then came to this town-
ship. November 2, 1854, he married Elizabeth Price, who has borne him
five children — Ira, Joseph, John, Aaron and Ida F. Mr. Collins owns
a farm of 147 acres situated six miles north of Monticello, on which he
has erected a fine two-storied frame dwelling. He has been a member of
the Church of God (New School Dunkard) since January, 1876, and in
the spring of 1882 was elected to the office of Assessor of Liberty Town-
ship.
JOSIAH COONROD was born in Marion County, Ohio, January
15, 1832, and is one of eight children born to Adam and Matilda (Mor-
ral) Coonrod, and named as follows : Jacob, William, Josiah, Elizabeth,
Sarah, Martha, Mary and Melissa. The father was born in Virginia
about the year 1799, was a farmer, and died in Marion County, Ohio, in
1878. At the age of twenty-seven, Josiah Coonrod came to this township
and located a few rods east of his present farm, to which he removed a
short time after arriving. It is situated nine and a half miles northeast
of Monticello, comprises 160 acres, and is improved with a good two-
storied frame dwelling, a most convenient barn and commodious outbuild-
ings. He was married, February 11, 1858, to Mary Engler, who has
borne him six children — David, William, Adam, John, Norah and Josiah,
the youngest deceased. Mr. Coonrod is a careful farmer and a skillful
stock-raiser, and he realizes probably more from his stock than from his
crops, cattle and sheep receiving his special attention.
JESSE L. COPE was born in Jefferson County, Ind., July 1, 1817,
and is one of the eight children in the family of David and Charlotte
(Truit) Cope, which children were born in the following order : Elizabeth,
John, Minerva, Mary, Charlotte, Jesse, Margaret and Nancy. Of these,
Mary, Jesse and Nancy only are living. The fither was born in Ken-
tucky and died when Jesse was very young in Jefferson County, Ind.
At the age of eighteen, Jesse went with his mother to Tippecanoe County^
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 399
Ind., and in January, 1850, he came to this county and located about
three miles northeast of Monticello, and then, some five or six years later,
moved to his present place, a farm of 120 acres six miles northeast of
said town. He was married, February 14, 1849, to Thurza Ann Stack-
house, who has borne him three children — William (deceased), Mary J.
and George. In April, 1868, he was elected Township Trustee, and
served two terms. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church since 1856, and enjoys the full confidence and esteem of his
townsmen.
GEORGE CULLEN was born in Mifflin County, Penn., May 28,
1804, and he is one of nine children born to Thomas and Margaret
(Woods) Cullen, viz. : Jane, John, Thomas, Margaret, William, Joseph,
George, Henry and Eliza. George is the only one living. His father
was born in Scotland in 1753, and was highly educated, though he
worked at shoe-making all his life; he died in Mifflin County in 1828.
George went to coopering at the age of fifteen, and worked thereat until
1^30, when he began farming. In the fall of 1852, he purchased his
present farm ; he married, November 8, 1825, Susan Allen, who bore
him nine children — John, Margaret, Allen, William, Elizabeth, George,
Joseph, Marion and Peter. Of these, Margaret, Allen and Marion are
dead, and the mother died in 1844. May 24, 1854, Mr. Cullen married
Caroline Kingsberry, who died in 1859. His third marriage was to
Clara Bonnet, October 18, 1859. Mr. Cullen now resides seven miles
northeast of Monticello, on his fertile and well-cultivated farm of 283
acres, forty acres of timber being one-half mile south ; he raises a variety
of crops, but pays his chief attention to wheat and corn, and has also
given some attention to horses; he has a comfortable dwelling, stables,
wind mill and other conveniences ; he has been a member of the Presby-
terian Church since 1830 ; he has served four years as Trustee, six years
as Commissioner, and is at present Justice of the Peace ; he is one of the
most tried and trustworthy settlers of Liberty Township, and has won
universal respect and esteem.
JAMES P. DAVIS was born in this county February 29, 1837,
and he is one of the eleven children born to Isaac and Mary (Phillips)
Davis. When James P. was about six years old, he went with his father
from Big Creek Township, this county, to Carroll County, Ind., where
they remained about six years, and then came back to White and located
in this township, three miles southwest of Jarnes' present place, to which
he came in April, 1876. May 12, 1859, Mr. Davis married Eliza J.
Engler, who has given birth to three children — Isaac, Mary and Ida.
Mary is dead. In November, 1864, he enlisted in the Forty -second
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and returned in July, 1865; his residence
400 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
is eleven miles northeast of Monticello. and he has a farm of 160 acres
of fine, level land, with comfortable dwelling, stables, wind mill and
other conveniences; he is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and is one of
Liberty's most enterprising citizens.
EDWIN W. HOCH was born in Wayne County, Ohio, November
10, 1836, and is the only child born to William and Susanna (Flieger)
Hoch. The father of Edwin was born in Pennsylvania; worked at tailor-
ing all his life, and died in Ashland County, Ohio, in 1857 ; the mother
had preceded him many years. When the mother died, the father took
Edwin to Harrisburg, where he lived until he was nineteen ; from there he
went to Ashland County, Ohio, where he lived a few months. In June,
1856, Edwin came to this State, settling in Wabash County, then moving
to Miami County, and in March, 1861, coming to this county ; here he
lived several years in West Point and Big Creek Townships, and then
came to his present farm in this township in April, 1865 ; he learned the
machinist's trade, but has chiefly followed farming ; he was married, Feb-
ruary 4, 1858, to Parmelia Huddleston, who bore him five children —
Mary, Frederick, Anna, William and John — and died June 8, 1875 ;
he next married Hester Billingsley. Mr. Hoch has a fine farm of 142
acres twelve miles northeast of Monticello, on which he raises corn,
wheat and potatoes chiefly, and which he has drained extensively, rightly
considering the lack of drainage facilities one of White County's greatest
evils. Mr. Hoch has served as Assessor and Commissioner of Drainage,
and he is an industrious and thrifty farmer and respected citizen.
JAMES HUGHES was born in Greene County, Penn., February
11, 1839, and is one of seven children born to John C. and Lucinda
(Smith) Hughes, and named as follows : Phoebe, John, Rowland, Thomas,
Stephen, James and Nancy (deceased). The father was born in Wash-
ington County, Penn., was a tanner by trade, and died in this township in
January, 1872. James Hughes was but eight years of age when he
came to this township with his father ; he was married February 8, 1866,
to Elizabeth Benjamin, who has borne him nine children — Oscar, Joseph,
Silas, Frank, Jephthah, Mary, Thomas, Estella and Pearl. The first
three are dead. In January, 1865, Mr. Hughes enlisted in the Thirty-
fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry and was mustered out and returned
home in October. In the fall of 1874, he was elected Township Trustee
and filled the ofiice nearly four years ; he was among the earliest settlers
of the township, and underwent all the severe experiences of pioneer
life ; his home is on a fine farm of 142 acres, located seven miles north-
east of Monticello.
JOHN C. KARR was born in Butler County, Ohio, September 25,
1824, and is one of eight children born to Moses and Ann (Wilson) Karr,
(deceased.)
THi m
j ....
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 403
viz. : Andrew, Nancy, Robert, William, John, James, Matthew and
Katharinda, all of whom are dead excepting John. The father was born
in Dauphin County, Penn., in 1781, and died at Logansport, Ind., in
January, 1855. At the age of fifteen, John C. came to this county with
his father, and located two miles west of where he now lives, and in the
fall of 1849 moved on his present farm. He was married. May 31, 1849, to
Rachel Moore, who has given birth to eleven children, viz. : Joseph, Sa-
rah, Emma, Moses, James, .Matthew, Isaac, Rosa, John, Huldah and
Welcome. Of these, Emma and Moses are dead. Mr. Karr's farm is
located ten miles northeast of Monticello, and consists of 306 acres. In
1876, he erected an elegant two-story brick dwelling at a cost of some
$5,000, and the place is otherwise highly improved. He makes a spe-
cialty of raising wheat, but pays due attention to other crops and also to
live stock. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church about
thirty-five years, and is an indefatigable Sabbath school worker, and a cit-
izen of enterprise and great worth.
JAMES W. MASON was born in Carroll County, Ind., September
9, 1838, and is one of the six children born to Ephraim and Sarah (Phil-
lips) Mason, and named as follows : Joseph, Margaret, James, John,
Riley and Bruce. Of these, Joseph and John are dead. The father was
born in Virginia in 1807, farmed during most of his life, and died where
James now lives, in January, 1867. The family came to this county
about 1840, lived at various points," and in February, 1852, settled on
the presetit farm, twelve miles north of Monticello. James was married,
December 20, 1861, to Sarah Malone, who has given birth to five chil-
dren — James (deceased), Ralph, Mary, Mark (deceased) and Pearly
(deceased). In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Twelfth Illinois Volun-
teer Infantry. He took part in thebattles of Richmond, Ky., Vicksburg,
Jackson, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
Mountain, Nickajack Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Savannah, Griswold-
ville, Columbia, S. C, Bentonsville and Raleigh, and returned home in
June, 1865. Mr. Mason has a level and fertile farm, raises wheat chiefly,
but gives some attention to general products and to live stock. He is
industrious, thrifty and worthy, and commands the respect of his fellow-
townsmen.
THOMAS B. MOORE was born in Morgan County, Ohio, July 9,
1824, and is one of the seven children born to Thomas and Maria (Lupar-
tis) Moore, viz. : John. Thomas, Mary, William, Rachel, Ann and Ellen.
Rachel is dead. The father was born in Greene County, Penn., in 1796 ;
moved to Pittsburgh, and thence to Marietta, Ohio, in Fulton's first
steamboat, the "Clermont;" he then moved to Morgan County, and
thence came to this county, whore he died shortly after the breaking-out
24
404 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
of the late war. At the age of twenty- eight, Thomas B. left Morgan
County, and came to the farm where he now resides. He was married
September 20, 1849, to Louisa W. Paul, who has given birth to seven
children — Mary, Jacob, Elizabeth, Benjamin, John, Lily and Joseph.
Of these, Mary and Jacob are dead. Mr. Moore's farm is located ten and
one-half miles north of Monticello, and comprises 520 acres, one-half
under cultivation, and the other half in timber. He raises the usual
variety of crops and gives equally as much attention to live stock. He is
the heaviest land-owner resident in the township, but he has acquired it all
by the hardest work and the strictest economy, having come here with
very limited means. In the spring of 1854, he was elected Justice of the
Peace, and was so efficient that he was induced to hold the office for
twelve consecutive years. He has been a member of the M. E. Church
since he was fifteen years of age, and is a tried and trustworthy citizen.
GEORGE W. RIFFLE was born in Miami County, Ohio,
October 19, 3 823, and is one of five children born to John and Mary
(Beedle) Riffle, which children were named Eliza, Jane, George, Sarah
and John. Eliza and John are dead. The father was born in Pennsyl-
vania, in August, 1795, spent his entire life in farming, and died in
Fountain County, Ind., in June, 1872. George was but four years of
age when he went to Fountain County, where he lived until 1851, and
then went to Champaign County, 111. ; ten years later, he returned to
Fountain County, and in 1876, moved to Montgomery County, Ind., where
he resided three years, and then in March, 1879, came to his present
place. He was married, November 21, 1844, to Rebecca Wright, who
has borne him eight children — Byron, John, Eva, Margaret, Albert,
Ada, Dora and Frank. His present residence is five miles northeast of
Monticello, and he is owner of a well-cultivated farm of 240 acres, on
which is a large and comfortable two-story frame dwelling. He has
spent six years of his life at blacksmithing, three years as a merchant,
four as a shipper of live stock, but his chief attention has been given to
farming. In April, 1882, he was elected School Trustee; he has been a
metnber of the Masonic fraternity about twenty-eight years, and he is a
strong Prohibitionist.
JOHN SHELL was born in Marion County, Ind., April 10, 1844,
and is one of the three children born to Arnold and Frances (Pence)
Shell, viz.: Andrew, John and Joseph. The father was born in Ten-
nessee in 1814, was a farmer and carpenter, and died in this township
in January, 1867. John was but four or five years old when the.family
came here and located four miles northeast of his present place, to which
he came in November, 1876. In November, 1864, he enlisted in the
Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out in July,
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 405
1865. November 23, 1871, he was married to Mary E. Ross, who has
given birth to seven children, the living being named as follows : Luella,
Anna, Estella, Lizzie and Ivan. Mr. Shell now resides six and one half
miles north of Monticello. lie is a Prohibitionist in principle and strictly
temperate in his habits, and is strongly in favor of compulsory educa-
tion.
JOHN SNYDER was born in Mifflin County, Penn., September 22,
1821, and is the elder of the two children yet living born to Henry and
Christina (Rothrock) Snyder. Henry Snyder died when his son. John, was
but six years old ; the latter remained with his mother until thirteen, and
then went to serve a three years' apprenticeship to a tanner ; he followed
the trade as a journeyman for a number of years, and then started a tan-
nery of his own in Huntingdon County, which he operated about three
years and then sold, and in 1847 came to Union Township, this county,
where he bought 275 acres of land, on which he lived until the spring of
1876, when he sold out and bought 200 acres in Liberty Township, on
which he has ever since resided, with the exception of two years, from
March, 1881, to March, 1883, when he was the Superintendent of the
County Poor Farm. In December, 1840, he married Nancy Way, Avho
bore him six children, three of whom are still living. Two of the boya
served during the late war, and one, Henry W., died soon after his re-
turn from disease contracted in the army. Mrs. Snyder died in August,
1852, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. February 23, 1854,
Mr. Snyder married Nancy J. Bratton, who has borne him seven chil-
dren, of whom four are yet living. in politics, Mr. Snyder is a Demo-
crat, and Mrs. Snyder is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN S. STEVENSON was born in Sussex County, England,
December 3, 1830, and is one of the nineteen children born to Richard
and Mary (Knight) Stevenson, and of these the following only are liv-
ing : Jane, John, Mary, Richard, William and Agnes. The father is
still living in the county of his birth, Sussex, England. At the age of
twenty, John landed in New York City and came directly West to Pauld-
ing County, Ohio. In March, 1861, he came to White County and
located about a mile west of Monticello ; he moved thence to Carroll
County, where he lived three years ; then for eight years resided in Kan-
sas ; he returned to Monticello for a few months and, in February, 1879,
settled on his present place. In July, 1861, he enlisted in the Twentieth
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and took part in the action on Hatteras
Island, the seven days' fight, the second battle of Bull Run, the battles
of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, at the latter place
receiving a rifle shot in the right wrist, the ball passing out at the elbow.
This wound caused his confinement in the hospital about one year. He
406 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
was mustered out in July, 1864. February 2, 1864, he married Eliza
Worthington, who bore him two children — Mary and Lucy, and died
August 15, 1871. On the 9th of September, 1878, he married Elizabeth
Snyder, who has borne him two children — Viola (deceased) and Charles.
Mr. Stevenson has been- a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
since 1878, and takes great interest in the cause of temperance.
SAMUEL WOLFE was born in Washington County, Penn., May
29, 1824, and he is one of the eight children born to William and Euth
(Wolfe) Wolfe, and named as follows: Samuel, Peter, Elizabeth, Harvey,
Sarah, Henry, Luther and Phoebe. The father was born in New Jersey
in 1800, was a blacksmith and died in Union Township, this county, in
1860. At the age of twenty-one, Samuel Wolfe came with his father to
this county, but in about nine months returned to his home and married,
September 5, 1846, Eliza Winget, who has borne him eleven children —
Leonard, Theresa, Aminda, Brainerd, Parmelia, Harvey, Luther and
Sarah being the names of the living. After his marriage, Mr. Wolfe
moved to Athens County, Ohio, where he resided about seven years, com-
ing to his present home in the spring of 1854. In November, 1864, he
enlisted in the Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was mus-
tered out in July, 1865. He has given great attention to the education
of his children, Leonard, the eldest, having attended the University of
Chicago four years and the Baptist Theological Seminary at Morgan
Park, Chicago, graduating at the latter. Theresa and Martin (deceased)
attended the Northern Indiana Normal School. Mr. Wolfe has been a
member of the Baptist Church since 1849, and was instrumental in estab-
lishing the first church in Liberty Township. Mr. Wolfe is a blacksmith
and farmer, and resides eight miles north of Monticello.
ALEXANDER YOUNT was born in Darke County, Ohio, February
19, 1828, and he is one of the eleven children born to Daniel and Eliza-
beth (Shank) Yount, and named Catherine, Enoch, Elam, Alexander,
Frederick, Sarah, Eliza, Elizabeth, Rose, Rachel and John. The father
was born in 1801, devoted his entire life to farming, and died in the sum-
mer of 1863, in Cass Township, this county. From the age of four till
sixteen, Alexander lived with his parents in Carroll County, Ind.; in the
spring of 1843, the family came to this county, locating in Cass Township,
where Alexander lived fifteen years, then a year each in Prairie and Big
Creek Townships, and in the spring of 1860 came to his present place on
Section No. 1, this township. He was married, February 20, 1850, to
Emily Bacon, who has borne him three children — Albert, Rosetta E. and
Leona M. The eldest is dead. Mr. Yount's farm comprises 170 acres
of excellent and well-tilled land, located fourteen miles northeast of Mon-
ticello. He has a beautiful frame dwelling, convenient stables, and a
WEST rOINT TOWNSHIP. 407
lawn most tastefully set with evergreens. While in Cass Township, Mr.
Yount served three terras as Assessor, and he has always been active in
the prosecution of any movement tending to the good of the public.
WEST POINT TOWNSHIP.
ELI ALBERTSON was horn in \yaync County, Ind., December 1,
1818, and is one of twelve children, whose names were Elmira, Eli, Eliza,
Milton, Benjamin, Martha, Sarah, Elizabeth, Ellen, William, Cyrus and
Rebecca; of these, Elmira, Milton, Benjamin, Martha, Sarah and Will-
iam are deceased. The father of Eli was born in North Carolina in May,
1790 ; was a carpenter and farmer, and died in Indiana in 1878. When
Eli was twenty-six years old, he went to Miami County, Ind., where he
remained about eighteen years, coming to his present abode in November,
1862. On November 9, 1843, he was married to Roxana Culbertson, by
whom he had twelve children, seven of whom are living — Milton, Willi:im,
Evaline, Melissa, Anna, Charles and James. Mr. Albertson's farm is
located five miles south of Wolcott, and comprises 180 acres ; he is a gen-
eral farmer, but gives some attention to raising cattle and hogs. His place
is very beautiful, having a fine dwelling house, commodious stables, wind-
mill, etc. Mr. Albertson was at one time, in Wayne County, a school-
mate of Hon. 0. P. Morton. He is an esteemed citizen and liberal gen-
tleman, prominent among the people and foremost in every enterprise for
the public weal.
GEORGE F. BAKER was born in Licking County, Ohio, October
8, 1852, and is one of the twelve children of Charles and Ann (Gill) Ba-
ker, the names of whom were Mary, Charlotte, George, William, Willis,
Alice, James, Lizzie, Frank, Fannie, Burdell and Lee; of these, William,
Alice and Lizzie, are deceased. The father of George was born in Mary-
land, in March, 1822 ; he is a farmer, and now resides one half mile from
his son George. When young, George F. Baker removed with his parents
to Chicago, who shortly after went to Defiance County, Ohio, thence to
Miami County, Ind., and in March, 1860, came to this county. On
December 28, 1881, George was married to Martha E. Stanford, by whom
he has one child — George. Mr. Baker has lived in his present location
since January, 1882. It is ten miles southwest of Wolcott, on an excel-
lent, fertile, improved farm of 160 acres. His main crops are corn, oats
and wheat ; he also pays attention to the raisingof and dealing in cattle and
hogs. In 1873, and for some years thereafter, Mr. Baker was a successful
school teacher. He is an esteemed citizen and a me mber of the Meth-
odist Church since 
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